Liturgy of the Hours for January 19
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April 7
Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Priest
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Saint John Baptiste de La Salle (1651–1719) was a French priest, educational reformer, and founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He is recognized as a Catholic saint and the patron saint of teachers. Dedicated to improving education for poor children in France, he introduced lasting educational practices.
Born into a wealthy family in Reims, France, on April 30, 1651, Saint John was the eldest of seven children. His mother came from a noble family involved in the wine business. He began his religious journey early, becoming a canon of Reims Cathedral at 16 and later studying theology in Paris. After his parents’ deaths, he took responsibility for his siblings’ education while continuing his own, eventually becoming a priest in 1678 and earning a doctorate in theology.
His path changed when he assisted the Sisters of the Child Jesus, a group caring for the sick and educating poor girls. Through this work, he met schoolmaster Adrian Nyel in 1679 and helped establish schools for underprivileged boys. What started as a small initiative turned into a lifelong mission as La Salle dedicated himself to training teachers and reforming education.
Despite criticism from his social class, he invited teachers to dine at his home, then live with him, to instill discipline and teaching skills. He gave up his wealth to support his mission and founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a religious community of lay educators. His work was met with resistance from church authorities and the traditional education system, but he persisted.
Saint John pioneered teacher training, created the first normal school in 1685, and introduced educational innovations such as teaching in French rather than Latin, vocational schools, and programs for working-class youth. His methods influenced education for centuries.
He passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 1719. Canonized in 1900, he was later named Patron Saint of All Teachers of Youth. Today, the Lasallian network spans over 80 countries, educating millions. His legacy is honored in numerous schools, streets, and even an asteroid named in his memory.
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate these Saints as you worship Christ.
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