Today, April 7, is the commemoration of Saint Jean-Baptiste de La Salle.
Founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (La Salle Brothers).
Jean-Baptiste was born in 1651 in Reims, France to a wealthy family. He was an intelligent man, taking higher studies and delving into classical, literary, and philosophical courses.
He entered the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice with the hope of becoming a priest. However, his parents died one after the other. He had no choice but to leave the seminary and take care of his siblings. When all his obligations had ended, he finished his theological studies and was ordained priest at age 26. He became a Doctor of Theology at age 28.
Jean-Baptiste served as spiritual director of the Sisters of the Holy Infant; the sisters’ ministry was teaching poor girls. In 1681, he founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers or La Salle Brothers) which supported academic education for all boys.
He instituted the process of dividing students into grades; established the first teacher’s school, started high schools and trade schools. His busy life took a toll on his health. He died at age 67 on the Good Friday of 1719.
Pope Leo XIII beatified (1888) and canonized (1900) Jean-Baptiste in Rome. Venerable Pope Pius XII proclaimed him the patron of all teachers of all youth in 1950.