An image of St. John Baptist De La Salle located in Museo de La Salle
St. La Salle was born on April 30, 1651 and the founder of De La Salle University. He started his seminary years
in 1670. As a seminarian he taught catechism and became deeply concerned
about the situation of most families that could not afford to spend for
their children's education (secular or religious). In 1672, the parents
of De La Salle died, so he returned to Rheims from Paris to take care
of his brothers and sisters. After much reflection and spiritual
direction, he pursued his desire to be a priest; he was ordained on
April 9, 1678.
De La Salle was involved in helping Father Roland found the Sisters of
the Child Jesus. Together with Adrien Nyel, they began to train a few
men who could help begin free schools for boys. Although he was from a
wealthy and Aristocratic family, De La Salle chose to live with his
school masters who were at first ill-mannered. Their zeal and
perseverance to render their noble apostolic work led to the founding of
the Brothers of Christian Schools (Fratres Scholarum Christianarum) -
June 24, 1680.
One may expect that the existing anxieties may prompt the founder to
quit or give up the schools; however De La Salle together with two other
Brothers (Nicholas Vuyart & Gabriel Drollin) made the Heroic Vow on
November 21, 1691. Before God, they made a solemn vow of association
and union to bring about and maintain the Society of the Christian
Schools, without withdrawing from this obligation, even if only the
three of them remained and were obliged to beg for alms and live on
bread and water alone. In God's time and grace, many young men from all
economic strata joined De La Salle Brothers for the work of Christian
education.
De La Salle originally had no idea of beginning schools for Christian
education for the working class. He was gradually drawn into the work;
he made himself poor to be of service to them and relied on the
Providence of God to supply the basic material needs of the Brothers and
the schools.
In the early hours of Good Friday, April 7, 1719 De La Salle died. His
last words to the Brothers were: "I adore the holy will of God in my
regard_" a summary of the life of Faith he lived,_believing and trusting
in the care of God as he went about his work of teaching poor children
enthusiastically.
On May 24, 1900 the Catholic church recognized the deep holiness of De
La Salle when he was canonized. On May 15, 1950 the Church considered
St. La Salle as a pioneer in education and made him the Church's
official patron of all Teachers.
St. John Baptist De La Salle was really serves as an inspiration to
all, especially to all La Sallians. He was the foundation of this
university which gave opportunity to many people to learn things
academically, physically, socially, and the most important teaching
which this university implies, is to teach and lead children to have
strong faith and relationship with God and to remember that God, St. De
La Salle always guides the La Sallians in everything they do in life.
He gave hope to every La Sallian that no La Sallian will give up
whatever trials will come our way; that all La Sallians will pursue
every goal we’ve make and ready to reach our dreams and fight for what
we know is right. Animo La Salle!
St. John Baptist De La Salle, pray for us!
