COLLÈGE DES FRÈRES
JÉRUSALEM
Saint John Baptist de La Salle
founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
Born
1651, April 30: John Baptist de La Salle is born in Reims, France.
Ordained as a priest
1678, April 9
Died
1719, April 7: John Baptist de La Salle passes away in Rouen, France.
Patron Saint of Teachers
1950, Declared the Patron Saint of Teachers by Pope Pius XII.
About Our Founder:
Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the visionary founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, was born in Reims, France, in 1651. He dedicated his life to educating the poor and revolutionizing the educational system. His innovative teaching methods and deep faith laid the foundation for modern education.
Early Life and Calling
John Baptist de La Salle was born into a wealthy family but felt a calling to serve the underprivileged. He was ordained as a priest in 1678, and soon after, he began working with a group of teachers, sharing his vision of providing free, quality education to children from poor families.
Innovations in Education
De La Salle introduced several pioneering educational practices, including teaching in the vernacular instead of Latin, establishing teacher training programs, and emphasizing a structured, disciplined learning environment. He believed in educating the whole person, addressing both academic and moral development.
Founding the Brothers of the Christian Schools
In 1680, De La Salle founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, commonly known as the De La Salle Brothers. This religious community of laymen dedicated themselves to teaching and living together in a spirit of brotherhood. The order rapidly grew and spread across Europe and eventually the world.
Legacy and Impact
Saint John Baptist de La Salle's educational philosophy has had a lasting impact, shaping the foundations of modern pedagogy. Today, La Salle schools in over 80 countries continue his mission, providing holistic education rooted in faith, service, and community. De La Salle was canonized as a saint in 1900 and declared the Patron Saint of Teachers in 1950.
Quotes from De La Salle
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"To touch the hearts of your students is the greatest miracle you can perform."
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"Example makes a much greater impression than words."
Join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, whose vision continues to inspire and guide our educational mission at La Salle Jerusalem.
Major Moments in the Life of
Saint John Baptist de La Salle
1651
April 30: John Baptist de La Salle is born in Reims, France.
1670
Enters the seminary of Saint-Sulpice in Paris.
1672
April 9: De La Salle's parents pass away, prompting him to return to Reims to care for his siblings.
1678
April 9: Ordained as a priest.
1679
Meets Adrien Nyel, who inspires him to establish schools for poor boys.
1680
Begins to take an active role in the educational work by training teachers and opening schools.
1684
Formally begins the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers).
1685
Opens the first training school for teachers, pioneering the concept of teacher education.
1691
Takes the "Heroic Vow" with two other Brothers, committing to the mission despite all difficulties.
1700
Establishes a novitiate for training new members of the Institute.
1705
Expands the Institute's work to southern France.
1709
Forced to leave Paris due to opposition and legal challenges but continues his work elsewhere.
1717
Holds the first General Assembly of the Brothers, formalizing the Institute's rules and organization.
1719
April 7: John Baptist de La Salle passes away in Rouen, France.
1725
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools receives official recognition from the Pope.
1900
Canonized as a saint by Pope Leo XIII.
1950
Declared the Patron Saint of Teachers by Pope Pius XII.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle's life and work laid the foundation for modern education, particularly in the areas of teacher training and accessible education for the poor. His legacy continues through the global network of Lasallian schools dedicated to providing quality education rooted in Christian values.