“Young people need good teachers, like visible angels.”
– St. John Baptiste de la Salle
On April 7, honor the Memorial of St. John Baptiste de la Salle by calling upon his intercession to bless all teachers, staff, and students in our Catholic and public schools, and in his words for each to be certain “That God is with you, will help you, and inspire you in all that you do.”
At a time when education was only for the “haves”, completely ignoring the “have nots”, St. John Baptiste was determined and succeeded to bring education in a formal classroom setting to all children despite the socio-economic status they were born into, thanks to his trust in God. He not only opened schools for the working poor and forgotten, but also organized a group of laity and religious to serve and lead them.
Religion was integrated into core subjects in these public schools all over France. He was forward thinking also in the areas of individualized education planning. Students were placed in groups of abilities and achievement enabling them to better learn at their own challenging pace.
His wisdom is evident in his quotes and writings that inspire not only educators, but all of us, reminding us to use our gifts from God, be a good example, and pray always.
For teachers and school leadership: “To be entrusted with the teaching of the young is a great gift and grace of God.”
For all of us baptized in the Church: “God has chosen you to make Him known to others.”
John Baptiste de la Salle, called Jean-Baptiste, was the oldest child of 11 children of nobleman Louis and Nicholle (Moet de Brouillet) de la Salle. He was born on April 30, 1651. The family lived in Reims, France. Four of his siblings died in infancy.
Their faith was strong and reverent, evident in his certainty that he was to dedicate his life to God and serving all people as a priest.
While in seminary his mother passed away and within 18 months his father died. At only 21-years-old, he returned home to care for four brothers and two sisters who were still quite young. After he was certain that his family’s estate and his siblings were well cared for, he returned to seminary. He was ordained a priest on April 9, 1678.
Reflect on a favorite prompt of his teaching – what are you doing to share and be an example of the Gospel?
No matter what challenges we face heed his words, “Throw yourself into God’s arms. He will carry you when the road is rough.”
Editor’s note: Make it a holy habit to pray and support teachers, schools, students, and all religious education/formation programs. Our Catholic schools seek your help on May 6th – One Mission One Day – stay tuned.
