On April 7th, we commemorate Saint John Baptist de La Salle (Reims, April 30, 1651 – Rouen, April 7, 1719), priest and patron saint of teachers.
John Baptist pursued his priestly vocation from adolescence. Shortly after ordination, an encounter with a school teacher led him to dedicate himself to teacher training. He formed a community with them that became the foundation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (FSC), the first religious congregation composed solely of non-ordained religious brothers.
He revolutionized educational methods, trained teachers, and abolished Latin lessons by introducing French. The Lasallians represent the first lay religious institute, serving as a model for other "brother" congregations. Generally not priests, they wear a black cassock with a white bib.
Beatified by Leo XIII in 1888, he was canonized by the same pope on May 24, 1900. In 1950, Pius XII declared him patron of all teachers. Since 1937, his remains have been in Rome, at the mother house of his congregation.
The "Royal Institute for the Deaf-Mutes of Turin" moved in 1865 to its historic location on Via Assarotti, in the city center. In 1894, the Opera Pia Council entrusted direction of the male section to the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the congregation founded by Saint John Baptist de La Salle, and the female section to the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. After 14 years of commendable service, the Brothers of the Christian Schools were replaced by secular staff. Subsequently, internal direction of both sections was assigned to the "Daughters of Charity." We note that today the Institute for the Deaf of Turin has its headquarters in Pianezza.
My grateful memory goes to the Brothers of the Christian Schools, with whom I attended teacher training school in Rome.
P. Vincenzo Di Blasio
For More Information
- San Giovanni Battista de La Salle
- City of Rouen
- Brothers of the Christian Schools
- Regio Istituto dei Sordomuti di Torino
