The Little One | The Life of St. Benilde

Summary

The video tells the inspiring story of St. Benilde de Lasalle, born in 1805, who despite his short stature, dedicated his life to education and service. As a Christian Brother, he excelled in teaching and was deeply respected by students and parents. His unwavering devotion led him to establish schools and inspire many to religious life. After overcoming health challenges, he passed away in 1862 and was later beatified and proclaimed the patron saint of vocations.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Saint Benilde was born on June 14, 1805, and was initially named Pierre Roman Soul.
• 👨‍🌾 Pierre's childhood was spent between farm work and learning religious teachings from his mother.
• 🙏 At 12, Pierre received his First Holy Communion, which solidified his faith.
• 🏫 Despite his father's objections, Pierre decided to pursue a religious vocation at a Christian school.
• 📚 Pierre excelled in his studies and was accepted into the novitiate at 14, taking the name Brother Benilde.
• 🔑 Benilde was an exceptional student and teacher, known for his patience and dedication to helping others learn.
• 🏛️ He faced personal tragedy with the death of his mother and siblings, but remained committed to his vocation.
• 📜 The July Revolution impacted Benilde's work, requiring him to pass an exam to continue teaching.
• 🌍 Benilde was sent to various schools, where he gained experience and was loved by students and parents.
• 👨‍👦 He was particularly devoted to his work, even turning down his father's pleas to stay home and manage the family land.
• 🏫 In 1839, Benilde was appointed as director and principal of a brother school in Belgium, where he was highly respected.
• 🤝 Brother Benilde formed close bonds with other brothers, particularly Brother NAB, who was a source of guidance and support.
• 👥 He was known for his diplomatic skills, managing financial controversies and maintaining a high standard of education.
• 🏥 Benilde faced serious health issues, including paralysis and liver cancer, which eventually ended his mission.
• 🕊️ He passed away on August 13, 1862, and was beatified in 1958, later proclaimed the patron saint of vocations in 1967.

Q & A

Who was Benilde born as and when?

Benilde was born as Pierre Roman Soul on June 14, 1805.

What was Benilde's childhood like?

Benilde's childhood was split between helping his father and older brother in the fields, and learning from his mother who introduced him to the Bible and its prayers and passages.

At what age did Benilde receive his First Holy Communion?

Benilde received his First Holy Communion when he was 12 years old.

What event inspired Benilde to become a brother?

Seeing the devotion and discipline of the Brothers of the Christian Schools praying in a noisy crowd inspired Benilde to become a brother.

How did Benilde's father react to his decision to become a brother?

Benilde's father was not pleased with his decision and insisted that they needed him in the fields, but there was no talking Benilde out of it.

At what age was Benilde accepted into the novitiate?

Benilde was 14 years old when he was accepted into the novitiate.

What was Benilde's first assignment after becoming a Christian brother?

Benilde's first assignment was as a Christian brother in Orléans, France.

How did the July Revolution affect Benilde's teaching career?

The July Revolution led to a new system where any brother who wanted to teach had to pass an exam. Benilde passed without much difficulty and received his certificate on October 8, 1831.

What was the significance of the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel for Benilde?

On the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, Benilde arrived in Seoul with two brothers to open a new school.

What challenges did Benilde face in his role as a school director?

Benilde faced challenges such as the school building being incomplete and lacking furniture, managing a large influx of students of varying ages and backgrounds, and dealing with health issues that eventually led to his inability to teach and manage the school simultaneously.

How did Benilde's health condition affect his work?

Benilde's health condition, which included paralysis in his left shoulder and a serious attack that left him speechless and bedridden for a year, forced him to give up teaching and managing the school simultaneously.

What was the cause of Benilde's death?

Benilde died from liver cancer on August 13, 1862.

What honor was bestowed upon Benilde after his death?

Benilde was beatified in 1958 by Pope Pius XII and proclaimed the patron saint of vocations on October 29, 1967.