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.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Early Life and Vocation of St. Benilde

St. Benilde, born on June 14, 1805, was named Pierre Roman Soul and was the second son of a farming family in France. His childhood was a mix of farm work and learning from his mother, who taught him about the Bible. At 12, he received his First Holy Communion, which strengthened his faith. A year later, inspired by the devotion of praying brothers amidst a noisy crowd, Pierre decided to follow a religious path despite his father's objections. He pursued studies at a Christian school and eventually entered the novitiate at 14, taking the name Benilde. He excelled in his studies and was known for his patience and help to struggling students. Tragedy struck with the death of his mother and sisters, but he remained committed to his vocation. He received his first assignment in Orléans and over the next 20 years, taught in various schools, becoming a respected and skilled educator.

05:01

📚 Teaching and Challenges in the Lasallian Institute

During the July Revolution, the Lasallian brothers had to adapt to a new system where teaching required passing an exam. Benilde passed with ease and continued his teaching career. He faced personal loss with the death of his siblings but remained steadfast in his vocation. As director and principal of a school in Belgium, he was highly respected by teachers, parents, and students. His nephew Jean, however, was a troublemaker who ran away from school. Benilde's reputation as an educator grew, and he was sent to open a new school in Seoul. Despite finding the school building incomplete, he managed to get it up and running. He was known for his patience and skill in teaching, even to a deaf young man who wanted to receive his first communion.

10:01

🏫 Establishing a School in Seoul and Recognition

Benilde arrived in Seoul on the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel in 1841 and was welcomed with a grand celebration. He faced initial challenges with the school's incomplete construction but managed to get it operational. The school saw a large influx of students of varying ages and backgrounds. Benilde was known for his exceptional teaching and administrative skills, earning him a medal from the mayor. He was also recognized for his diplomatic handling of financial controversies. His dedication to education and his life inspired many young men to join the priesthood and religious life. Despite health issues, including paralysis and liver cancer, Benilde continued his mission until his death in 1862. His death was mourned by many, and he was later beatified and proclaimed the patron saint of vocations.

15:10

🌟 Legacy and Honoring St. Benilde

This paragraph seems to be a collection of applause and music cues from the video, indicating a celebration or commemoration of St. Benilde's life and work. It likely includes a tribute or a ceremony honoring his contributions to education and religious life. The paragraph does not provide specific details but serves as a conclusion to the narrative, emphasizing the enduring impact and legacy of St. Benilde.

Keywords

💡Patron Saint of Vacations

A patron saint is a saint who in Roman Catholic tradition is regarded as the protector or advocate of a particular area or group of people. In the video, the man who would later be declared a saint and known as the patron saint of vacations is referenced, indicating his significance and the reverence he held in the community.

💡First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion refers to a Christian rite where an individual receives the body and blood of Christ for the first time. In the script, receiving First Holy Communion at the age of 12 is highlighted as a pivotal moment that strengthened the faith of the main character, Pierre.

💡Vocation

A vocation is a strong sense of suitability for a particular career or occupation, often in a religious context. The video script describes how Pierre's faith played a significant role in his decision to pursue a religious vocation, despite his father's objections.

💡Novitiate

The novitiate is an initial period of training for those wishing to join a religious order. At the age of 14, Pierre was accepted into the novitiate, marking his formal entry into religious life and the beginning of his journey as a brother.

💡Lasallian Brothers Institute

The Lasallian Brothers Institute is a religious congregation within the Catholic Church that focuses on education. The script mentions that due to the July Revolution, the Lasallian Brothers Institute had to surrender some of its privileges, including the requirement for brothers to pass an exam to teach, reflecting a significant change in the institute's operations.

💡Christian Brothers

Christian Brothers are members of a religious congregation dedicated to teaching. The video script describes how Pierre, now known as Brother Benilde, became a Christian brother and was sent to various schools to teach, emphasizing his commitment to education and his role as an educator.

💡De La Salle

De La Salle refers to St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, which is connected to the Lasallian Brothers Institute. The script implies that Brother Benilde continued the mission of De La Salle through his work in education.

💡Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel

The Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel is a day when Catholics celebrate the archangel's protection and intercession. Brother Benilde arrived in Seoul on this feast day, which is significant as it marks the beginning of his mission there and aligns with the spiritual theme of protection and guidance.

💡Brother Nabor

Brother Nabor, also known as Victor, is mentioned as a close companion to Brother Benilde. He is described as a gentle giant, illustrating the importance of companionship and support within religious life. His presence also highlights the diversity of personalities and roles within the brotherhood.

💡First Communion for the Deaf

The script recounts how Brother Benilde learned sign language to teach a deaf young man the prayers necessary to receive his First Communion. This act underscores the theme of inclusivity and the commitment to ensuring that religious rites are accessible to all, regardless of disability.

💡Beatification

Beatification is a step in the Catholic Church towards canonization, or the declaration of someone as a saint. The script mentions that Brother Benilde was beatified, which is a recognition of his holiness and a step towards his sainthood, reflecting the church's official acknowledgment of his life's significance.

Highlights

Born and baptized on June 14, 1805, Benilde was named after his father, John Roman Soul.

Benilde's childhood was split between farm work and religious education from his mother.

At 12, Benilde received his First Holy Communion, strengthening his faith.

Inspired by the devotion of others, Benilde decided to become a brother at 13.

Despite his father's objections, Benilde pursued his vocation and studied at a Christian school.

At 14, Benilde was accepted into the novitiate and took his first step as a brother.

Benilde excelled in his studies and was ahead of his class.

Concerns about his height did not deter Benilde from his path.

Benilde's father pleaded with him to stay and care for the land, but he remained committed to his vocation.

Benilde received his first assignment as a Christian brother at the age of 21.

He taught at various schools, becoming more skilled and effective as an educator.

The July revolution led to changes, requiring brothers to pass exams to teach.

Benilde passed the exam and received his teaching certificate in 1831.

Benilde was assigned as director and school principal, earning respect from teachers, parents, and students.

He was known for his patience, helping students who struggled.

Benilde's diplomatic handling of financial controversies enhanced his reputation.

He studied sign language to help a deaf young man receive his first communion.

Benilde's dedication to his work inspired hundreds to consider religious life.

Health issues, including liver cancer, eventually forced Benilde to give up teaching.

Benilde passed away on August 13, 1862, with a large funeral procession.

A woman was reportedly healed during Benilde's funeral procession.

Benilde was beatified in 1958 and proclaimed patron saint of vocations in 1967.

St. Benilde's legacy continues to inspire at St. Benilde delassalle College.

Transcripts

[Music]

today when usually the name video

in school spring to mind but who was the

man

before school was named after him before

he was declared a saint

he was known as the patron saint on

vacations

born and baptized on June 14 1805 he was

first named as pure human song of the

REA France he is the second son of John

Roman soul and and shotty young Pierre's

childhood was split between helping his

father and older brother in the fields

and learning what his mother had to

teach her children she introduced them

to the Bible and its prayers and

passages years pass and as all children

do the Roman song kids grew up as well

Pierre grew up too but not that much but

this never really troubled him it was

learning and studying that occupied his

mind on most days he received his First

Holy Communion when he was 12

strengthening the faith his mother

instilled in him it was a year later

when peers faith played a big role in a

decision that shaped the rest of his

life

I was amazed to find them praying even

in the noisy crowd their devotion

discipline was inspiring seeing them

made me want to be like them a brother

Pierre soon made his decision known but

this news did not sit well with his

father we need you in the fields Pierre

your brother and I cannot do without you

but there was no talking Pierre out of

it he would become a brother he asked

his parents to at least let him study at

a nearby Christian school in Rio they

agreed at the end of his 16 month stay

he proved to be an excellent student end

with his teachers recommendations his

parents let him pursue his chosen

vocation he was 14 when he was accepted

into the novitiate

with his entry to the school young

Pierre was given the name the kneeled

now took his first step as a brother

Benilde applied himself to his studies

and was soon ahead of his class though

he was a great student the brothers were

concerned with his height but this

concern did not laugh what he lacks in

height he compensated by patiently

helping students who struggled even as a

novice he did ordinary things

extraordinarily well near the time of

his graduation Benilde was called home

because his mother died three years

earlier his two younger sisters died

merely a week apart it was during this

sad time at home that his father first

pleaded to him your brother Annette is

off fighting Marie is living in a

convent and annie has her own family

won't you stay in care for our land son

it was not an easy decision for young

Benilde

but he could not be torn from his

vocation on December 28th 921 Benilde

received his first assignment as a

Christian brother he was sent to Orie

ACK and over the next twenty years he

would be assigned to various schools in

moola Amogh clef Rome and

to teach and gain experience at each

location he would handle an older batch

of students he became more skilled and

effective as an educator he was well

loved and respected by his students and

their parents the July revolution broke

out when the yield was 25 years old

Charles the 10th had stepped down from

the throne and a new system was

introduced the Lasallian brothers

Institute had to surrender some of its

privileges now any brother who wanted to

teach had to pass an exam the kneeled

pass without much difficulty and

received his certificate on October 8

1831

twice during his travels he had to go

home to mourn for the deaths of the rest

of his siblings each time he was called

home his father asked him to stay and

every time his answer was the same on

the third plead since the death of his

mother been healed responded I prefer my

vocation to that of an emperor his

devotion to his calling was so strong

that it could not be bent

he gave us much comfort as he could

before leaving but that was the last

time he saw his father he was assigned

as director and school principal of the

brother school in beiong in September

1839 teachers and parents respected him

while children adored him except for one

Jean Morton his own nephew they say but

Jean had run away from school one day

and found his way back to the Ray it was

Vanille own father who brought

Jean back to be on with the intention to

see his son unfortunately the kneeled

had just left when they arrived brother

Benilde

he just left for Seoul I hear the

brothers wanting to open a new school

there is that so opening a new school

they must think very highly of him

oh yes they do even here no one is more

well loved or respected than brother

Benilde he told me how to read and write

and for that I will always be grateful

it was on the feast day of st. Michael

the Archangel on September 1841 when

Benilde

arrived in Seoul with two brothers it

was a grand celebration

[Music]

contrary to what was agreed upon the

brothers arrived to find the school

building incomplete and sadly lacking in

furniture

it took an additional month to get

things settled when the school opened

there was a large influx of students

each class included boys as young as 12

some 20 and some married with families

more brothers came to help handle the

classes one of them became very close to

burger Benilde

his name was brother NAB or Victor a big

man with a strength to match but he was

at heart a gentle giant the description

was far from a joke once as they

traveled together two sheepdogs startled

the Horus Benilde was riding the boar

Crickley grabbed the horse and got it to

settle down another time it was a bull

they just came from visiting a sick man

when a girl of charge at them brother in

a boar Victor protected brother been

healed

[Music]

[Applause]

ass thanks for saving his life

Ben yield paid for knob or and became a

great source of guidance in the Boris

life as a brother every day matters of

the school occupied by Nields daily life

he taught classes and there were times

that his limit was tested he sometimes

had to turn a blind eye and pray just to

calm himself he was not known to ignore

anyone who was willing to learn one day

he was told about a deaf young man who

wanted to receive his first communion

Benilde immediately studied sign

language soon the young man had learned

all the prayers in order to qualify for

the right Benilde diplomatic handling of

the town's financial controversy added

to his reputation as a wise

administrator exceptional teacher faith

filled catechist helpful supervisor

strong disciplinarian and exemplary

religious

overall been kneeled loved and was loved

for his work as a school director his

efforts were not ignored the mayor

himself came to award him a medal during

one of his classes and proceeded to

repeat the ceremony through all the

classrooms the day was even announced as

a holiday Benilde would say my only

thought is to do my duty as best as I

can and it was the same expectation he

applied to the brothers under his care

he was strict with them but also very

concerned the best-known story was one

about two brothers on their way back

from taking their exams the weather had

turned harsh and delayed their return

they braved the storm the next day only

to find it worse during this time

Benilde kept vigil and lit a light to

guide the brothers home when they

arrived they collapsed into bean yields

arms from sheer exhaustion the quality

of education he offered and the example

of his life inspired hundreds of young

men to the priesthood and religious life

it is claimed that more than 300

vocations to the brothers came out of

Seoul while he was there during the

school's early days brother Benilde

taught and managed the school

simultaneously it was health and

pressure which forced him to give up

doing both at the same time his

Madison became more troubling as it

started to cause paralysis in his left

shoulder a serious attack once left him

speechless and unable to rise from a bed

for a year but it was in 1861 that a

diagnosis of liver cancer spelled the

end of his mission brother Bernie last

visit to the church was with brother LC

smiley on their way back Benilde said

that is the last time someone will lead

me to the church the next time they'll

be carrying me in the holy man passed

away on August 13 1862 the news of his

death made many weep openly students

vied for the honor of carrying his

coffin

and countryside were there despite the

story

the people were impulsive both rich and

poor even the mayor was there

[Music]

[Music]

and asked the procession progressed a

crippled woman was healed when brother

Binion's coffin passed by she was able

to move her limbs and eventually walked

with other people to the cemetery

brother Benilde was buried on august 15

on the Feast of the Assumption

[Music]

in 1958 he was beatified by Pope Pius

the 12th he was proclaimed patron saint

of vocations on October 29 1967

first question brother after delassalle

to be given the honour inspired by the

life of st. Benilde delassalle college

of st. Benilde continues its journey

towards an inclusive and innovative

community and just like st. Benilde each

Pavilion is called to do ordinary things

extraordinarily well

you

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you