Who is St. John Baptist de La Salle?

Summary

St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of Lasallian education and patron saint of teachers, is celebrated for his innovative and inclusive approach to education, particularly for the poor. Born in 1651 in France, he renounced his wealth and position to establish a community of lay teachers dedicated to the teaching vocation. His legacy, emphasizing social justice, ethical conduct, and quality education, continues to inspire Lasallian institutions like Manhattan College, where students and educators embody his principles of inclusivity, human dignity, and commitment to making society better.

Takeaways

• 🎓 St. John Baptist de La Salle is the foundational figure of Lasallian education and is recognized as the patron saint of education.
• 👨‍🏫 He was a model for professors and students, embodying the mission of Lasallian education through his life and work.
• 🏠 Born into a wealthy family in Reims, France, in 1651, de La Salle's early life was marked by personal loss and responsibility at a young age.
• 🔑 At 16, he became a Canon of the Cathedral of Reims, and at 27, he was ordained a priest, showing his early commitment to religious life.
• 🌐 He became involved with the Sisters of the Infant Child Jesus, supporting their mission to help orphaned girls during a famine in France.
• 🏫 In 1679, de La Salle began his work in education by assisting Adrian Nyel in setting up schools for poor boys, focusing on inclusive community and access to education.
• 💼 His approach to education was innovative, practical, and focused on the poor, emphasizing the importance of community and the role of educators.
• 💰 De La Salle renounced his wealth and position, relying on divine providence to support his work and the educators who followed his path.
• 👥 He established a community of consecrated lay teachers, emphasizing the importance of community support and shared teaching practices.
• 📜 His writings and teachings reflect a deep understanding of young people and the importance of education, influencing the approach to teaching at Lasallian institutions.
• 🌟 De La Salle's legacy continues today, with Lasallian educators in 80 countries, serving over a million students and embodying his principles of inclusivity, social justice, and quality education.

Q & A

Who is St. John Baptist de La Salle and what is his significance?

St. John Baptist de La Salle is the patron saint of education and the person upon whom Lasallian education is based. He was a French priest born in 1651 and is known for his innovative approach to education, particularly for the poor.

What was St. John Baptist de La Salle's early life like?

He was born into a wealthy family in Reims, France, and felt a calling to religious life from a young age. He became a Canon of the Cathedral of Reims at 16 and was ordained a priest at 27.

How did St. John Baptist de La Salle become involved in education?

He was asked by a young priest, Nicolas Roland, on his deathbed to become involved with a group of religious women, the Sisters of the Infant Child Jesus, who were helping orphaned girls. Later, he met Adrian Nyel, who sought his assistance in setting up schools for poor boys.

What was unique about the educational approach of St. John Baptist de La Salle?

De La Salle's approach was inclusive, focusing on providing education for the poor and creating a community where those who could afford education chose to learn alongside the less fortunate.

How did St. John Baptist de La Salle's personal life reflect his commitment to his mission?

He gave away his fortune, renounced his prestigious position as a Canon, and relied on divine providence, demonstrating his dedication to the cause of education and the poor.

What is the Lasallian legacy today?

The Lasallian legacy is carried on by educators in 80 countries, including 65 colleges and universities, serving a million students and employing 100,000 educators, embodying the principles of inclusivity, social justice, and quality education.

How does Manhattan College embody the Lasallian spirit?

Manhattan College, as a Lasallian institution, continues to live out the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle by embracing men and women of all faiths and traditions, focusing on community service, and promoting social justice.

What role does community service play in the Lasallian tradition?

Community service is a significant aspect of the Lasallian tradition, as it reflects the commitment to social justice and helping those in need, which was a core value of St. John Baptist de La Salle.

How does the Lasallian approach to education influence students at Manhattan College?

Students at Manhattan College are influenced by the Lasallian approach through a focus on inclusivity, social justice, and ethical conduct, which encourages them to be problem solvers and active participants in society.

What was St. John Baptist de La Salle's stance on the role of education in society?

De La Salle believed in the importance of education for all, especially the poor, and saw it as a means to address societal injustices and create a better society.

How does the Lasallian education system view the relationship between teachers and students?

The Lasallian system values the relationship between teachers and students as precious, emphasizing the centrality of the student and the importance of quality education in shaping the lives of young people.