Saint John Baptist de La Salle was a French priest, educator, and reformer who lived from April 30, 1651, to April 7, 1719. He is the founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the De La Salle Brothers.
John Baptist de La Salle was born in Reims, France, to a wealthy and influential family. His father was a prominent government official, and his mother came from a noble family. La Salle’s early education took place at the College des Bons Enfants in Reims, where he developed a strong interest in theology and education.
La Salle was ordained a priest in 1678 and quickly became involved in educational reform. He was concerned about the poor quality of education for the working class and the lack of opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. In response, he founded a school for poor children and began to develop innovative teaching methods that focused on the individual needs of each student.
In 1680, La Salle founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a community of laymen dedicated to providing high-quality education to young people, especially those from poor families.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle died on April 7, 1719, at the age of 67. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Leo XIII on May 24, 1900. Today, the De La Salle Brothers continue to operate schools and educational institutions around the world, following La Salle’s vision of providing high-quality education to all, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s feast day is celebrated on April 7. He is the patron saint of teachers, educators, and schools, and is often invoked for his guidance and inspiration in the field of education.
PRAYERS:
Father, You chose Saint John Baptist de la Salle to give young people a Christian education. Give your Church teachers who will devote themselves to helping your children grow as Christian men and women. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Comment here