Saint Who?
Saints Who Established Schools
Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Priest and founder († 1719)Feast: April 7
John Baptist de La Salle had education, wealth, and a comfortable position as a canon of the Cathedral of Rheims when a chance encounter changed the course of his life. He happened to visit a local convent at the same time as a man who had come to establish free schools for boys. At the time, poor children were usually left uneducated.
De La Salle offered his assistance and came to realize that this was his life’s calling. Within a short time, he left everything to establish the community known today as the Christian Brothers. This group of dedicated teachers helped improve conditions at existing schools in the city, established new ones, and founded a teachers’ training college. However, when de La Salle was forced to relocate, much of his fervor drained. Undaunted, he took to prayer. He also set up regular monthly correspondence with each of his brothers.
A biographer notes that he asked each brother to report to him about “their community relationships, their efforts in the classroom, their progress in prayer, and their fidelity to their community practices.” He reminded his brothers of their mission and that they should not distinguish between the work of their own salvation and their work as Christian educators. Teaching was their path to heaven. De La Salle died on Good Friday, 1719. He is the patron of all who work in the field of education.
Beloved Father, inspired by Saint John Baptist
de La Salle, may Catholic schools be renewed
through prayer and holy leadership.
