THE LIFE OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE

Summary

Saint John Baptist de la Salle was a French priest and educational reformer who founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a group of religious laypeople dedicated to education. Born in Reims, France, he was deeply religious and became a priest at 26. After overseeing a group of nuns and meeting Adrian Nyell, he established a charity school for poor boys. De la Salle and the Brothers faced challenges but successfully built a network of schools in France. He passed away in Rouen, leaving a legacy of dedication to education and service.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Saint John Baptist de la Salle was a French priest and educational reformer who founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a group dedicated to education.
• 🎓 Born to a wealthy family, he was the oldest of 11 children and named after Saint John the Baptist, a prophet who proclaimed Jesus.
• 📚 At a young age, he received clerical tonsure, indicating his intention to become a priest, and later took a degree in Master of Arts.
• 🔴 Tragedy struck when both his mother and father died within a year, leading him to leave the seminary at the age of 21 to take care of his siblings.
• 👨‍🏫 After being advised by Father Nicolas, he returned to the seminary and was ordained as a priest at 26, later earning a doctorate in theology.
• 🏫 De la Salle's involvement in education began when he met Adrian Nall, leading to the establishment of a charity school for poor boys in Reims.
• 🤝 He brought teachers to live with him, trained them, and inspired them, which eventually led to the formalization of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
• 🛣️ Facing challenges and controversies, de la Salle and the Brothers continued their mission to provide education, establishing a network of schools in Paris and France.
• 🗣️ On November 21, 1691, Gabriel Julian and Nicolas Vauge made a heroic vow to continue their mission, even in the face of extreme hardship.
• 🏡 In 1715, de la Salle moved to Rouen where he continued his mission, teaching the Brothers about prayers and administering to prisoners.
• 💬 His last words, expressing adoration for God and acknowledgment of divine guidance throughout his life, reflect his deep faith and commitment to his mission.

Q & A

Who was Saint John Baptist de la Salle?

Saint John Baptist de la Salle was a French priest and an educational reformer who founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a group of religious laypeople dedicated exclusively to education.

What impact did Saint John Baptist de la Salle's work have on education?

His work impacted millions of people and continues to inspire educators to this day, emphasizing the importance of service to others through education.

What was Saint John Baptist de la Salle's family background?

He was the oldest of 11 children, born to a wealthy couple, Louis de la Salle and his wife, in Reims, France.

What significant event happened in Saint John Baptist de la Salle's early life?

At the age of 11, he received the clerical tonsure, a sacred rite signifying his intention to become a priest or a member of a monastic order.

When was Saint John Baptist de la Salle ordained as a priest?

He was ordained as a priest on April 9, 1678, at the age of 26.

What tragedy occurred in Saint John Baptist de la Salle's life?

His mother died on July 19, 1671, and his father died on April 9, 1672, which led him to leave the seminary and take responsibility for his siblings.

Who was Adrian Nall and what was his connection to Saint John Baptist de la Salle?

Adrian Nall was a lame man who provided schooling for the poor. He met Saint John Baptist de la Salle at the door of a convent, and they collaborated on founding a charity school for poor boys.

What did Saint John Baptist de la Salle do to support the education of the poor?

He brought teachers to live with him, trained them in basic education, and inspired them to work with the poor, eventually forming the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

What vow did Gabriel Julian and Nicolas Voyage make on November 21, 1691?

They made a heroic vow to continue their mission to establish the society of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, even if they had to beg or live in brand alone.

Where did Saint John Baptist de la Salle move to in 1715 and what did he do there?

He moved to Rouen, where he continued his mission, taught the Brothers about prayers, and administered to prisoners.

What were Saint John Baptist de la Salle's last words and how did he pass away?

His last words were 'Yes, I adore God guiding me in all the events of my life.' He passed away on April 7, 1719, at the age of 67, in Rouen.