St. John Baptist de la Salle
John Baptist de La Salle was born over 300 years ago, the first son of a wealthy French family. Born at Reims, he received the tonsure at age 11 and was named Canon of the Reims Cathedral at 16. He had to assume the administration of family affairs after his parents died, but completed his theological studies and was ordained a priest on April 9, 1678. Two years later he received a doctorate in theology. He also became tentatively involved with a group of rough and barely literate young men in order to establish schools for poor boys.
At that time a few people lived in luxury, but most were extremely poor: peasants in the country, and slum dwellers in the towns. Very few could send their children to school, and most children had little hope for the future. Moved by the plight of the poor, De la Salle decided to use his talents and education in service of these children. He left his family home, moved in with the teachers, renounced his wealth and his position as Canon, and founded the community of consecrated laymen that would become the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
His efforts were opposed by ecclesiastical authorities, who resisted this new form of religious life. The educational establishment resented his innovative methods and his insistence on free education for all, regardless of ability to pay. Nevertheless De la Salle and his Brothers created a network of quality schools throughout France that featured instruction in the vernacular, grouping of students by ability and achievement, integration of religious and secular instruction, well-prepared teachers with a sense of vocation and mission, and parent involvement. De la Salle also founded programs for lay teacher training, Sunday courses for working young men, and one of the first institutions in France for the care of delinquents. Worn down by austerity and labor, he died at Saint Yon on Good Friday in 1719 at the age of 67.
John Baptist de la Salle was a pioneer in the field of education. His work quickly spread through France, and after his death continued to spread across the globe. In 1900 he was declared a Saint. In 1950 he was made Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education. John Baptist de La Salle inspired others to teach and care for young people, meet failure and frailty with compassion, and to affirm, strengthen and heal. Currently there are De la Salle schools in 80 countries around the globe.
- Born at Reims, France April 30, 1651
- Ordained priest April 9, 1678
- Died April 7, 1719
- Beatified February 19, 1888
- Canonized May 24, 1900
- Proclaimed Patron of Christian Teachers May 15, 1950
