Saint John Baptist de La Salle was born on April 30, 1651 and grew up and studied for the priesthood in France. But when his parents died, he quit school to care for his brothers and sisters. When they were grown, John returned to the seminary and was ordained in 1678 and was doctor of theology in 1680.
He was the spiritual director of the Sisters of the Holy Infant -- they were devoted to teaching poor girls. In 1681, he founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers) which supported the academic education for boys. He gave away his family's inheritance (about $400,000) to the poor in the form of bread during the great famine in 1683-1684. He instituted the process of dividing students into grades and established the first teacher's school, started high schools, and trade schools. Saint John died on April 7, 1719 in Rouen, France. He was canonized on May 24, 1900 by Pope Leo XIII. Because of his devotion to school children, he was proclaimed patron of all teachers by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
"Be driven by the love of God because Jesus Christ died for all, that those who live may live not for themselves but for him, who died and rose for them. Above all, let your charity and zeal show how you love the Church. Your work is for the Church, which is the body of Christ." -from a meditation by John Baptist de La Salle
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