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Also known as: Father of
Modern Education
Profile
Attended the seminary in Paris, but quit to care for his brothers and
sisters upon the death of their parents. When they were grown, he returned
to school, graduated, and was ordained.
Founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers),
established and supported academic education for all boys, not just the
nobility. He liquidated his personal fortune, and his Brothers expected
him to use it to further his education goals, but he surprised them by
saying they would have to depend on Providence. The money (about $400,000)
was given away to the poor in the form of bread during the great famine of
1683 - 84. Saint John kept enough to endow a salary for himself similar to
that which the Brothers received so he wouldn't be a burden on them.
Instituted the process of dividing students into grades. Established the
first teacher's school. Started high schools and trade schools. Proclaimed
the patron of all teachers of all youth by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
Born: 1651 at Rheims, France
Died: 1719 at Rouen, France
Canonized: 1900
Name Meaning: God is gracious (= John)
Patronage: educators, school principals, teachers
Reading
Be driven by the love of God because Jesus Christ died for all, that those
who live may live not for themselves but for him, who died and rose for
them. Above all, let your charity and zeal show how you love the Church.
Your work is for the Church, which is the body of Christ.
from a meditation by John Baptist de La Salle
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