Saint John Baptist De La Salle

Biography

Saint John Baptist De La Salle, also known as the Father of Modern Education, was born on April 30, 1651, in Rheims, France. He was the oldest of ten children and grew up in a wealthy and noble family. John had a strong desire to become a priest and pursued his studies at seminary in Paris. However, upon the death of his parents, he had to leave the seminary to care for his younger brothers and sisters. After his siblings had grown, John returned to the seminary and was ordained as a priest in 1678. He was known for his exceptional intelligence and was granted the title of Canon of Rheims, France, in 1667. In 1680, he obtained his doctorate in theology, further deepening his understanding of the Catholic faith. Saint John became the spiritual director of the Sisters of the Holy Infant, a religious community dedicated to teaching poor girls. Through his interactions with these sisters and their work, he realized the great need for comprehensive and accessible education. Inspired by this, he founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools (also known as La Salle Brothers or Christian Brothers) in 1681. The goal of the Brothers of the Christian Schools was to establish and support academic education for all boys, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. To fund this educational mission, Saint John liquidated his personal fortune, which amounted to about $400,000. However, instead of using it to further his education goals as the Brothers expected, he surprised them by giving the money away to the poor in the form of bread during the great famine of 1683–1684. Saint John's selfless act highlighted his unwavering trust in God's providence. He kept only enough money to endow a salary for himself that was similar to what the Brothers received, ensuring that he would not be a burden on the community. This demonstrated his commitment to living a life of simplicity and solidarity with those he served. Saint John made significant contributions to the field of education. He instituted the process of dividing students into grades, which allowed for a structured and organized system of learning. He also established the first teacher's school, providing educators with the necessary training and skills to effectively teach. Furthermore, he pioneered the establishment of high schools and trade schools, making education accessible to a wider range of students. In recognition of his tireless dedication to education, Pope Pius XII proclaimed Saint John Baptist De La Salle as the patron of all teachers of all youth on May 15, 1950. He is also revered as the patron saint of educators, school principals, and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Saint John Baptist De La Salle passed away on April 7, 1719, at Saint-Yon, Rouen, France, due to natural causes. He was initially buried in Rouen but was later re-interred in Lembecq-lez-Hal, Belgium, in 1906. Finally, on January 25, 1937, his remains were moved to the chapel at the Christian Brothers Curia in Rome, Italy, where they currently rest. Saint John's remarkable contributions to education and his unyielding commitment to serving the poor and marginalized have left an enduring legacy. Canonized on May 24, 1900, by Pope Leo XIII, he continues to inspire and guide educators around the world in their mission to provide quality education for all.