Honoring the 300th Anniversary of the Death of Saint John Baptist de LaSalle

April 24, 2019

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the death of Saint John Baptist de LaSalle. Throughout the world, Christian Brothers and Lasallian Partners proclaim the theme: One Heart, One Commitment, One Life.

Saint John Baptist de LaSalle died in France on April 7, 1719, but his mission of education for social transformation lives on. During his life, only the wealthy could afford education, which was basically one-to-one tutoring for young boys. He reformed education by teaching students in groups, the model that exists today. The de LaSalle classrooms included students of diverse economic backgrounds and abilities where one (or more) instructors taught the group. He believed that a Christian and human education for students, especially those who were poor, would improve society as a whole.

De LaSalle introduced principles such as human dignity, solidarity, equity, the dignity of work/education, and the common good centuries before these became the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. One common practice was the giving basket. Each morning when students arrived, those who had lunch put it in the basket. At lunch, the basket would be passed and everyone could choose something to eat. In this way, he addressed the timeless issue of distribution, ensuring that there were enough resources for all when equitably distributed.

The legacy of de LaSalle lives on at Cretin-Derham Hall. Let the year of celebration begin!

Saint John Baptist de LaSalle, pray for us!
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!