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John Baptist de la Salle was born on April 30, 1651, in Rheims, France. As a result of his pious nature, he was designated for the priesthood at an early age. After he completed his education, he returned to Rheims and discovered his true life work - educating the poor. He started a movement that resulted in free elementary education. John formed a teaching brotherhood of men who were attracted to a life of service and were dedicated to teaching the poor. Father John devoted his full attention to establishing schools and he formed an institute where teachers were trained. Parish priests sent young men to his institute in hopes that they would return to their hometowns and serve as schoolmasters.
Father John shared his original and practical ideas for education in his Manual for Christian Schools. He believed in separating students according to their mental maturity, teaching in the vernacular, and using the blackboard.
Lay teachers and tutors who felt jeopardized by his work, as well as those who did not approve of education for those in the "lower orders," criticized his efforts. Eventually the criticism receded. Father John expanded his efforts to set up schools that met the needs of all classes of young men. These included colleges and schools for troubled boys.
Father John spent his later years at the College of St. Yon. He resigned as director of the institute, lived as a humble brother, and taught the novices and young students. He died at the age of 67 on April 7, 1719.
The Christian Brothers' Institute, the formal name of Father John's institute, was recognized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1725. Christian Brothers' schools spread until the French Revolution, when the brotherhood was reduced to 20 active members. After the conclusion of the French Revolution, the community returned to a vibrant life. The schools expanded to other European countries, North and South America, the West Indies and Australia throughout the 19th century. The first school in the United States was founded in 1846.
Father John was canonized in 1900. Pope Pius XII named him patron of teachers in 1950.
It seems especially fitting this year that St. John's Feast Day is in April. From April 17-20, Catholic educators will gather in Milwaukee for the 98th annual National Catholic Educational Association Convention
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