Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to what he believed was his divine calling. In 1950, his pioneering efforts in education earned him the title of patron of schoolteachers by Pope Pius XII. Born into privilege in 17th century France—equipped with intellect, looks, noble lineage, wealth, and a refined upbringing—John seemed destined for a comfortable, prestigious life within the Church. At 11, he embarked on his clerical journey with the tonsure, leading to priesthood at 27.
However, destiny had a different path. A serendipitous encounter with M. Nyel of Raven sparked an interest in educating poor boys in Raven, igniting a passion that would redefine his life. Initially repelled by the work, his dedication deepened, eventually seeing it as his divine duty. This realization prompted him to forsake his wealth, status, and comfort to live among and serve the impoverished, marking a dramatic pivot in his life’s direction.
John’s legacy is inseparable from the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a religious community he founded, which flourished under his guidance. They revolutionized education for the poor, established the first teacher training college, and provided for juvenile delinquents from affluent backgrounds. His drive was fueled by a desire to cultivate devout Christians.
Despite his achievements, John’s journey was marred by challenges: he faced disillusionment and desertions within his ranks, encountered fierce resistance from traditional educators threatened by his innovative methods, and battled against the Jansenists’ austere outlook on morality and human nature—a battle he fought tirelessly.
In his final years, plagued by asthma and rheumatism, John passed away on Good Friday at the age of 68. His canonization in 1900 was a fitting tribute to a life of profound impact and selfless dedication to education and faith.
Photo credit: SVpellicom via Wikimedia Commons
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I will continue, O my God to do all actions for the love of you. St. John Baptist De La Salle, pray for us! Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever!
St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, pray of us, especially for the De La Salle Brothers.
Pray for me brother to better follow gods will Jesus Christ bless you all in gods name amen god
The Lasallian Prayer
I will continue, O my God, to do all my actions for the love of you.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever.
The Lasallian Prayer
I will continue, O my God, to do all my actions for the love of you.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever.
When a child learns from early on,,,,,,,everyday that Jesus Christ is with him,,,,,,,that child grows to learn…….
He will never WALK. ALONE!!!!!
Thank you St. John Baptist,,,,,,,,,please,,,pray…..for us !!!!!!!Church schools ,,,,,,were your gift to us !!!!!!!
St. Jean Baptiste de La Salle, please help heal the damaged souls who were victims of physical and sexual abuse in the 1960s at the St. John’s Training School in Uxbridge, Ontario. At the hands of disorded ‘brothers’ who were not true to your rules of conduct for their moral and spiritual lives, many young men were affected by perversion and a lack of chastity and divine charity. Robert Morrissey and others went on to be ordained into the priesthood, then much later were held accountable for their actions. Wrap healing around the victims, their bodies/minds/hearts. Sting the abusers with physical and mental purification for tarnishing your good name, for corrupting the goal of education, St. de La Salle, all the days of their lives. Amen.
Dear St. Jean Baptiste de La Salle, Bless you for founding Catholic schools for children. I attended St. Henry’s of Bayonne, NJ for 9 years – from Kindergarten to 8th Grade, and thanks to Msgr. Mulligan and the Benedictine Sisters I and all of the children in my class received a wonderful education for free. May God bless you for all of your struggles with the poor children of Raven and elsewhere.
Saint John Baptist de la salle, pray for us amen