Life of St John Baptist De La Salle

Summary

The life of John Baptist de La Salle, a prominent figure in 17th-century France, is a remarkable story of selflessness and devotion. Born into wealth and social prominence, he gave up his privileged status to devote his life to the education of poor boys. Through his efforts, he founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools, overcoming opposition from both church and society. His legacy continues today, with his work inspiring educators worldwide, especially those dedicated to serving underprivileged communities. Canonized as a saint in 1900, he is remembered for his commitment to human and Christian education.

Takeaways

• 😀 John Baptist de La Salle, born into a wealthy and prominent family, gave up his social status to devote his life to educating poor boys.
• 😀 He became a saint by focusing on the Christian education of the poor, founding the first teaching Brotherhood in the Catholic Church in 1694.
• 😀 De La Salle's work faced opposition, including legal battles and criticism from his own Archbishop for living with laymen of lower social status.
• 😀 He gave up his canonry and wealth, even distributing food to the poor during the severe winter of 1683-1684.
• 😀 De La Salle's education system focused on teaching poor children in their native language, not Latin, challenging the traditional norms.
• 😀 He authored pedagogical and religious books to train his brothers, laying the foundation for a new educational movement.
• 😀 Despite his health issues, De La Salle continued teaching and guiding his brothers, who became his new family and partners in the mission.
• 😀 He led his brothers on pilgrimages and kept in regular contact with them through letters, fostering a deep sense of community.
• 😀 De La Salle's legacy lives on today through the La Salle schools and the dedication of thousands of educators worldwide.
• 😀 Declared a saint in 1900 and the patron saint of educators in 1950, De La Salle’s influence continues to inspire educators in over 80 countries.

Q & A

Who was John Baptist de La Salle?

John Baptist de La Salle was a French priest from a prominent family in the 17th century. Despite his high social status and academic achievements, he devoted his life to the education of poor boys, founding the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

How did John Baptist de La Salle shift from a privileged life to dedicating himself to education?

La Salle was inspired by meeting a devoted schoolteacher for the poor. He decided to give up his family wealth and canonry, moving to live with the teachers he was training, and devoting his life to educating impoverished children.

What was the significance of the event in winter 1683-1684?

In the severe winter of 1683-1684, John Baptist de La Salle gave away his personal wealth to provide food for the poor in Reims. This act exemplified his commitment to the Gospel and human dignity.

What was the Brothers of the Christian Schools?

The Brothers of the Christian Schools, founded by La Salle in 1694, was the first teaching brotherhood in the Catholic Church, dedicated to the Christian education of poor boys.

What challenges did La Salle face during his mission?

La Salle faced opposition from various quarters, including his Archbishop, who criticized him for associating with laymen, and from teachers' groups who saw his gratuitous schools as a threat. He also faced legal troubles and condemnation for his work.

How did John Baptist de La Salle contribute to the field of education?

La Salle wrote pedagogical books, religious texts, and practical manuals to support the education of young people, ensuring that teachers and his brothers were well-trained and motivated to teach effectively.

How was La Salle's teaching model innovative?

La Salle introduced an innovative classroom system in Paris, where pupils were seated in ranks according to the lesson they were following, creating order and a structured learning environment.

What legacy did John Baptist de La Salle leave behind?

La Salle's legacy includes the establishment of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the development of educational materials, and a global network of educators dedicated to the Christian education of the poor.

How did John Baptist de La Salle's work extend beyond France?

La Salle's educational mission expanded internationally, with schools established in Africa, the Philippines, the United States, Kenya, India, and more than 80 countries worldwide, continuing to serve the educational needs of disadvantaged youth.

When was John Baptist de La Salle canonized, and what was his later recognition?

John Baptist de La Salle was canonized as a saint in 1900 and was declared the patron saint of all those who work in education in 1950, recognizing his profound impact on education for the poor.