John Baptist De La Salle

Born April 30, 1651

Died April 7, 1719

Canonized May 24, 1900

Proclaimed Patron of All Teachers May 15, 1950

John Baptist De La Salle, was the first son of wealthy parents living in France over 300 years ago. Born in Reims, John Baptist De La Salle started his training for the priesthood at the age of 11 and was named head of the Reims Cathedral at sixteen. He was ordained a priest on April 9, 1678. Two years later he received a doctorate in theology.

Meanwhile, he became involved with a group of rough and barely literate young men in order to establish schools for poor boys. Moved by the plight of the poor who seemed so “far from salvation,” he devoted himself to the service of the children that were “often left to themselves and badly brought up.”

He abandoned his family home, moved in with the group of teachers he was training, renounced his position as Canon and his wealth, and in doing so formed the community that became known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools.