Recent Institute Documents
Below are four recent documents from the Casa Generalizia in Rome.
Each addresses a different aspect of our contemporary Lasallian world, and all of them are the result of many years of collaborative discussions and work.
They are provided here for ease of access.
You can also got directly to the PUBLICATIONS page of the international Lasallian website.
PODCAST – Brothers Banter
Here is a recently launched podcast that was created and developed by two religious brothers looking to invite everyone into a conversation about religion, spirituality, current events and all things Lasallian.
IALU University Programs Database
The Indivisa Database is provided by the International Association of Lasallian Universities to make information available about every degree program from Lasallian colleges and universities around the world.
Georges RIGAULT – History of the Institute
These volumes of the General History of the Brothers of the Christian Schools were written by the French historian, Georges Rigault, and translated by Br. Edmond Dolan, FSC, with further editing by Br. Gerard Rummery, FSC.
SEE THE LINKS BELOW
Length: Nine Volumes & 3,095 Pages
Author: Georges Rigault
Translator: Br. Edmond Dolan, FSC
Editor: Br. Gerard Rummery, FSC
The Christian Brothers in the United States 1848 – 1948
This history book by Br. Angelus Gabriel was first published in 1948, the centenary celebation of the Brothers in the United States. It is a standard reference work for Lasallian archivists, librarians, and historians that has been out of print for many years. It has now been made available in paperback form.
Length: 700 Pages
Editor: Br. Angelus Gabriel, FSC (Joseph Aloysius Cashin)
Reprinted by: The Lasallian Resource Center (2020)
A PDF of the book is available HERE.
Lasallian Panorama: The History of the Brothers of the Christian Schools: 1651 – 1810
This book makes available Volume 1 and Volume 2 of a planned five-volume condensed summary of the history of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. This book covers the history of the Institute from1651, when St. John Baptist de La Salle was born, through the initial years and the subsequent century, and ending at about 1810. As such, it gives a brief overview of the first 130 years of the existence of the Institute.
Length: 355 Pages
Editor: Br. Hubert Gerard, FSC (Edward Schmitz)
Saint John Baptist de La Salle: Founder, Educator, Saint
A comprehensive introduction to the life of John Baptist de La Salle, his unique pedagogical approach towards students, and his enduring spirituality. A brief survey of his personal life story leads to a description of the innovative educational elements he and the early Brothers introduced, followed by a concise summary of the elements of his education-based spirituality.
This resource may be used by itself or with the study guides that are available for its use within Lasallian institutions. It makes for a very accessible overview for both new and veteran teachers and administrators.
Please look at the link icons below for the file size that is most appropriate for your device:
– SMALL FILE – 8 MB
– MEDIUM FILE – 60 MB
– LARGE FILE – 288 MB
Physical copies are available upon request from Katie Batt (kbatt@dlsi.org).
Publisher: District of San Francisco New Orleans
Prayer for the Coronavirus Outbreak
This is a prayer to address concerns around the worldwide coronavirus outbreak.
It was written by Kerry Weber from America Magazine.
The Fratelli Project – Lebanon
The Solidarity and Development Secretariat at the Casa Generalizia in Rome has been involved in the Fratelli Project for some years, where the Marist Brothers and the De La Salle Christian Brothers have joined in Lebanon to accompany Syrian, Iraqi and Lebanese children who have difficulties to study due to the armed conflicts in their countries.
This is a recent video of their ongoing ministry. More information and links in the longer description below.
Length: 4:40 min.
The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.
Books by Br. Louis DeThomasis, FSC
Br. Louis DeThomasis, FSC, is a De La Salle Christian Brother. Below are some of the books that he has authored on issues of concern to the Catholic Church and on ethical considerations in the world of business. From 2008 to 2017, Brother Louis served as president and chairman of CBIS. Founded in 1981, the Catholic investment service provides socially responsible investment management exclusively to Catholic institutions worldwide. Today, CBIS manages $7 billion in assets for dioceses, colleges, and universities; religious institutes; and health care systems, and has offices in the United States and Europe.
Widely recognized for his distinguished academic leadership in service to Lasallian education, Brother Louis served for 21 years as president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and continues today as the university’s president emeritus, professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, and distinguished senior fellow with the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership.
Brother Louis earned a bachelor of science degree in international relations from Georgetown University, conducted graduate study in theology at Providence College in Providence, R.I., and earned a doctorate in economics and financial management from the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati. He also completed postdoctoral studies as a Bush Fellow at the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University.
Advent Reflection Videos
These short Advent reflections are centered around the week’s Gospel, De La Salle’s meditations, and a contemporary application of their intent. They may be used for personal reflection, group conversation, or the like. (6.5 – 7.5 minutes long each)
Here are direct links to the individual video reflections and to a PDF with the readings:
John Baptist de La Salle and Special Education
This book was first published in 1988 but has been out of print for many years. It is a study of the Lasallian educational enterprises that were established by St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools at St. Yon in Rouen, France. It was here that one of the first secondary school curriculums was developed, along with a facility for court-adjudicated youth (and even adults).
The book provides many early principles, guidelines, and practices associated with educating unique and special students according to the same methologies and priorities that had already been effectively implemented at the elementary school level throughout France.
The book will be especially of interest to Youth and Family Service agencies, counselors, and others who work with youth with special needs.
Author: Othmar Würth
Publisher: Christian Brothers Conference
Paperback (137 Pages)
Beginnings: De La Salle and His Brothers
This little book was first published in 1980, and it has been out of print for many years. Yet it deserves much wider circulation, because it contains foundational context essays about St. John Baptist de La Salle. All were written by preeminent Lasallian scholars of the time.
Association – Statements from Institute Documents Since 1928
These are selections from documents from the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools concerning “association” and its developed understanding and application.
The original documents that are cited in this overview are listed below. Each listing below is also a direct link to a PDF version of the entire document, or a text that includes the entire document.
Collected and compiled by Dr. Greg Kopra – Director, Formation for Mission (District of San Francisco New Orleans)
1989 Letter to the Lasallian Family
This Letter to the Lasallian Family was a seminal publication from the General Council of the time. It speaks ab out a variety of topics that are relevant to any discussion of “Association” in contemporary times.
The PDF version provided here is also an OCR version, so that you can search for key terms of phrases.
LASALLIAN REFLECTION – DECEMBER 2020 – ADVENT & DAFFODILS
Lasallian Advent Calendar
WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT
Four-Week Lasallian Prayerbook (2019
This is a collection of morning, evening, and night prayer services, following Lasallian themes, arranged into a four-week cycle. Musical options and a variety of readings are included.
Berulle and the French School: Selected Writings
John Baptist de La Salle was a man of his times. This work provides the cultural and religious environment and major figures that influenced his life.
The Lasallian Heritage
A lengthy but informative exposition about De La Salle’s vocational journey and the Institute he founded, based on questions posed.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Lasalliana – Volume 10
Published: October 1, 1986
The individual articles for this Volume are found below.
These sets of 2-page studies and reflections on Lasallian topics began in September 1983 and were published every year in three volumes up to 2001. Each volume contained 20 separate leaflets on specific themes or topics by Brothers and others from around the world. Many Brothers and others have benefited from these compact nuggets on various aspects of De La Salle, Lasallian education, the Institute, and the like. There are 53 sets or “volumes” of this publication, providing over 1,000 individual resources for perusal, research, and Lasallian formation.
Lasalliana – Volume 39
Published: January 1, 1997
The individual articles for this Volume are found below.
These sets of 2-page studies and reflections on Lasallian topics began in September 1983 and were published every year in three volumes up to 2001. Each volume contained 20 separate leaflets on specific themes or topics by Brothers and others from around the world. Many Brothers and others have benefited from these compact nuggets on various aspects of De La Salle, Lasallian education, the Institute, and the like. There are 53 sets or “volumes” of this publication, providing over 1,000 individual resources for perusal, research, and Lasallian formation.
Introduction – Meditations for the Time of Retreat
This is a short overview of the 16 meditations that De La Salle wrote for the Brothers during their annual retreat. These meditations provide a concise synthesis of De La Salle’s spirituality – the priorities, themes, approaches, and perspectives that characterize the Lasallian educational context. They are meant to be read and considered in a retreat-like setting and are worth careful reading and ongoing reflection.
The video is one of a series of videos introducing major Lasallian resources available in print. (In process)
(7.5 Minutes)
Film Maker: Br. George Van Grieken, FSC
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Complete Works in FRENCH – John Baptist de La Salle
This collection of all of De La Salle’s writings is a treasure trove for those who would like to research, or simply read, the works of the Founder in his native tongue. Anything that De La Salle wrote is included in this volume. And the PDF is provided in OCR format – which means that you can search for a French word of phrase.It is also an accessible resource for students in French language studies who would like to read some of De La Salle’s writings, especially his letters, which are personal and written with simple language.
This compendium is based on the extensive research behind the production of the multi-volume set of Cahiers lasalliens series.
Publication Date: 1993
Publisher: Ètudes Lasalliennes, FEC, via Aurelia, 476, 0016, ROMA
Life of De La Salle
A short 4.5-minute overview of De La Salle’s life, with images, information, and a popular music background.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Lasallian Saints of Yesterday … and Tomorrow
This is an overview of all of the Lasallian Saints, Blesseds, and other who are being considered for canonization – as of 2013.
Cahiers Lasalliens 67 – The Conduct of Schools: Texts, Studies, Documents.
A scholarly diachronic analysis by Leon Lauraire, FSC, of the classic work, “The Conduct of Christian Schools.”
Brother Martyrs of Almeria
A very short video about the Blessed Brother Martyrs of the Province of Almeria, Spain, that may be used for a prayer service or simply as a brief introduction to their story.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Lasalliana – Volume 18
Published: May 1, 1990
The individual articles for this Volume are found below.
These sets of 2-page studies and reflections on Lasallian topics began in September 1983 and were published every year in three volumes up to 2001. Each volume contained 20 separate leaflets on specific themes or topics by Brothers and others from around the world. Many Brothers and others have benefited from these compact nuggets on various aspects of De La Salle, Lasallian education, the Institute, and the like. There are 53 sets or “volumes” of this publication, providing over 1,000 individual resources for perusal, research, and Lasallian formation.
Lasalliana – Volume 44
Published: May 1, 1998
The individual articles for this Volume are found below.
These sets of 2-page studies and reflections on Lasallian topics began in September 1983 and were published every year in three volumes up to 2001. Each volume contained 20 separate leaflets on specific themes or topics by Brothers and others from around the world. Many Brothers and others have benefited from these compact nuggets on various aspects of De La Salle, Lasallian education, the Institute, and the like. There are 53 sets or “volumes” of this publication, providing over 1,000 individual resources for perusal, research, and Lasallian formation.
Teaching Units for Lasallian Schools
These are complete Lasallian teaching units for high school students. Each level has a one-week set of all the resources needed to teach the classes. Created in 1998, they can be easily adapted and supplemented with videos and other more contemporary material. It’s a good place to start!
See the longer description below for a breakdown of the units.
Project Coordinator: Br. George Van Grieken, FSC
Editor: Greg Kopra
The Fratelli Project – Lebanon
The Solidarity and Development Secretariat at the Casa Generalizia in Rome has been involved in the Fratelli Project for some years, where the Marist Brothers and the De La Salle Christian Brothers have joined in Lebanon to accompany Syrian, Iraqi and Lebanese children who have difficulties to study due to the armed conflicts in their countries.
This is a recent video of their ongoing ministry. More information and links in the longer description below.
Length: 4:40 min.
The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.
www.dlsfootsteps.org
A virtual pilgrimage of De La Salle’s personal vocation story that includes videos, text, photos, panoramic immersion, Google street maps, and more. In 2018, the site was completely redesigned and made responsive to small or large screens. New HD versions of the videos were also added. An accompanying, dynamically linked PDF booklet takes individuals and groups through the journey via narrative, video links, and formative questions.
Rule and Foundational Documents
A collection of early documents from the time of the initial development of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. These documents were the building blocks for the organization and guiding principles that have led to its growth and ongoing vitality.
Manhattan College – Lasallian Stained Glass Windows
These stained glass windows of John Baptist de La Salle, originally created in 1900, were moved to the chapel at Manhattan College in 2016.
The windows guide viewers as they move through the Chapel to visualize moments in the Saint’s life — from his childhood in Reims, to the vow he took with his Brothers, to his death in Rouen and his glorification in heaven, where he is welcomed by Christ and acknowledged as a great teacher by Saint Ignatius Loyola.
They may be seen on the Manhattan College website (LINK) where there is also an online tour via the internet (LINK)
Below in the tab “WINDOWS” are large files that show each of the windows in detail.
There is also a video that gives the history, process, and results of a project to relocate the Lasallian stained glass windows from the former Novitiate building in Barrytown, NY, to the chapel at Manhattan College in the Bronx. It is a good discussion starter on the topic of alumni engagement and Lasallian art. (13 Minutes)
You can either clink the link below or watch it under the tab below “Show the Video.”