The Little One with subtitle

Summary

The video script narrates the life of Pierre Roman Sertillanges, later known as Brother Benilde, who was born in France in 1805. Despite his small stature, he was deeply devoted to his faith and education. He joined the Christian Brothers and became an exemplary educator, known for his patience and dedication. His influence inspired many to religious life. After serving in various schools, he was sent to Seoul, where he faced challenges but left a lasting impact. He passed away in 1862 and was later beatified and declared the patron saint of vocations, with his legacy continuing through institutions like De La Salle College of Saint Benilde.

Takeaways

• 😀 Born on June 14, 1805, Pierre Roman was the second son of Jean Roman and Anne Shotty.
• 🙏 Pierre's mother instilled in him a strong faith and love for the Bible from a young age.
• 🏫 At 12, Pierre received his first holy communion, and a year later, his faith led him to decide to become a brother.
• 👨‍🌾 Despite his father's objections, Pierre pursued his vocation and studied at a Christian school in Rio.
• 📚 Pierre excelled in his studies and was given the name Beneal upon entering the novitiate at the age of 14.
• 🏛️ Beneal was sent to various schools to teach, gaining experience and becoming a respected educator.
• 🌟 His dedication was so strong that he turned down his father's pleas to stay home, even after the death of his siblings.
• 🏆 Beneal's teaching skills and administrative abilities were recognized, and he was awarded a medal by the mayor.
• 🔧 He was known for his patience, helping students who struggled, and his commitment to education.
• 🌐 In 1841, Beneal arrived in Seoul to open a new school, facing initial challenges with incomplete facilities.
• 🙏 After his death on August 13, 1862, he was beatified in 1958 and proclaimed the patron saint of vocations in 1967.

Q & A

Who was Pierre Romanson, and what is his significance?

Pierre Romanson, born on June 14, 1805, was the second son of Jean Romanso and Anne Shotty. He is significant as he later became known as Brother Benildus, a Christian Brother and educator, and was eventually declared a saint and the patron saint of vocations.

What was the impact of Pierre's mother on his early life?

Pierre's mother introduced him and his siblings to the Bible, its prayers, and passages, which instilled faith in him from a young age. This early religious education played a significant role in shaping his future vocation.

Why did Pierre decide to become a Christian Brother?

Pierre was inspired by the devotion and discipline he observed in the Christian Brothers, which led him to decide to become one himself despite his father's initial objections.

How did Pierre's father react to his decision to become a Christian Brother?

Pierre's father was not in favor of his decision, as he needed his help in the fields. However, Pierre was determined to pursue his vocation, and his parents eventually allowed him to study at a nearby Christian school.

What was the significance of the name change to Beneal when Pierre entered the novitiate?

When Pierre was accepted into the novitiate at the age of 14, he was given the name Beneal in honor of a Roman martyr in Cordova. This marked his first step as a brother and signified his commitment to the religious life.

How did Beneal's height affect his early years as a brother?

Beneal's short stature was a concern for the brothers, but he compensated by patiently helping students who struggled, showing that his dedication and effectiveness as an educator were not hindered by his physical attributes.

What challenges did Beneal face during the July Revolution?

During the July Revolution, the Lasallian Brothers Institute had to surrender some of its privileges, and brothers who wanted to teach had to pass an exam. Beneal passed the exam without much difficulty and continued his teaching career.

Why was Beneal's devotion to his vocation so strong that he chose it over his family's land?

Beneal's devotion to his vocation was profound, as evidenced by his repeated refusals to stay home and manage the family land, even after the deaths of his siblings and his father's pleas. He prioritized his calling as a Christian Brother over all else.

What was the significance of Beneal's arrival in Seoul on September 2, 1841?

Beneal's arrival in Seoul marked a new chapter in his life as he began his mission to establish and run schools there. Despite initial setbacks with the school building and lack of furniture, he persevered and contributed significantly to education in the region.

How did Beneal's health issues affect his work as a school director?

Beneal suffered from rheumatism, which eventually caused paralysis in his left shoulder and a serious attack that left him speechless and bedridden for a year. Despite these health challenges, he continued his work until his diagnosis of liver cancer in 1861, which ultimately ended his mission.

What was the legacy of Brother Beneal, and how is he remembered today?

Brother Beneal is remembered for his exceptional teaching, his dedication to his vocation, and his influence in inspiring hundreds of young men to the priesthood and religious life. He was beatified in 1958 and proclaimed the patron saint of vocations in 1967. His legacy continues through institutions like De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, which strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.