The Life of John Baptist de La Salle: A Biography in Three Books
A three-volume set of books that provide the most comprehensive biography of St. John Baptist de La Salle that we have.
To Touch Hearts: The Pedagogical Spirituality of St. John Baptist de La Salle
This book draws from two essential Lasallian works – The Conduct of Schools and the Meditations of John Baptist de La Salle – and develops characteristics of the pedagogical spirituality that they represent. The educational charism started in Reims in 1680 by De La Salle and his Brothers reaches around the globe today, touching educators of every kind. The book provides a deeper examination of what lies behind that popularity and ongoing relevance.
Author: George Van Grieken, FSC
Publisher: Christian Brothers Conference
Paperback (403 Pages)
Lasallian Research Platform
This is a central online location for scholars to discover research projects and collaboration opportunities.
Hosted at Bethlehem University, the website describes itself as a Lasallian Research Network initiative designed to facilitate research collaboration in a wide variety of subject areas between faculty at the 64 Lasallian institutions of higher education.
The website is rr.bethlehem.edu
This Is Our Lasallian Story
This video shares a series of short vignettes about various Lasallian educational ministries around the world, many of them working the marginalized and needy. It is a wonderful, professionally created compendium of the range of Lasallian ministries. Both teachers, Brothers, students, and others involved in this mission contribute to a reflective narrative that highlights the unique loving approach of Lasallian ministry, supremely sensitive to others and eminently practical in addressing real needs.
Produced by The Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD), Go Motion and Playhouse Studio – Philippines, Manhattan College – New York
Length: 47 min.
The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.
FSC Institute & RELAN Statistics
This page provides the latest statistics about the Brothers of the Christian Schools and their ministries throughout the world and within the Region of North America. (See below)
The Institute statistics come from the Memento, an annual summary from the Generalate in Rome. A PDF may be downloaded of this booklet.
The RELAN statistics comes from CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate), which published an annual report for the Lasallian Region of North America. Summary information is provided below. A PDF of the entire report may be downloaded through the link provided.
The Teacher’s Saint – The Life and Times of St. John Baptist de La Salle.
This short, accessible biography of the life and times of St. John Baptist de La Salle is written for all those who are interested enough in his life to want to know more but who don’t have the time or inclination to read longer biographies such as those by Luke Salm or Alfred Calcutt. Written in an appealing style, the main outlines of his life are presented, along with an introductory section that lays out the social, political, and religious context of his time.
Author: George Van Grieken, FSC
Publisher: Christian Brothers Conference
Paperback (110 Pages)
NOTE: There is a 20% discount through the Saint Mary’s Press website for purchases of 2 or more copies with the code:TEACHERSAINT!
The book is available on Amazon as well.
The Letters of John Baptist De La Salle
This volume contains the letters that were written by. Although few in number, their contents provides a unique and personal insight into the relationship so of De La Salle and the first Brothers with whom he shaped the Institute. There are also some letters to individuals for whom he was a spiritual director..
The introduction and commentary by Colman Malloy, FSC, and Augustine Loes, FSC, gives the context for each of the letters and gives an overview of what they reveal about the writer of these letters.
(1988; 304 pp.)
Translated by Colman Malloy, FSC. Edited by Augustine Loes, FSC.
Volume 1 of Lasallian Sources: The Complete Works of John Baptist de La Salle
Publisher: Christian Brothers Conference – Lasallian Region of North America
Must-Have Digital Lasallian Resources
The resources listed below are mostly available online and are indispensable in the work of creating and facilitating Lasallian mission formation programs at a Lasallian schools or institution. Unless otherwise noted, all of these resources are available through this Lasallian Resource Center website.
The resources list was compiled by Dr. Greg Kopra for the “Local Formators Gathering” of the SFNO District in April 2019.
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
Iconographie – Lasallian Images and Resources Collection (ROME)
SCROLL DOWN for the collection of 160 images and documents related to Saint John Baptist de La Salle that was prepared for the tricentenary of the birth of the Institute in 1680. They were provided as a set of large display-quality plates in an ornate blue box, and many of these are still to be found in Brothers’ communities, libraries, and elsewhere. There was also a boxed set of color slides, accompanied by a small booklet that explained each of the images.
They are provided here as JPG and PDF files for the larger Lasallian family.
A PDF of the entire book (257 MB) is HERE.
Br. Emile Rousset, FSC, headed the project. Also involved were Br. John Johnston, Br. Patrice Marey, Br. Jose Cervantes, Br. Leone Morelli, Br. Maurice Hermans, Br. Leon de Marie Aroz, and Br. John Hazell.
Produced in France: December 15, 1979
ACHEVÉ D’IMPRIMER SUR LES PRESSES
DE L’IMPRIMERIE LIMET
92100 Boulogne
Cahiers lasalliens – Lasallian Studies
This set of scholarly Lasallian resources focus on the person of St. John Baptist de La Salle, his writings, and the origins of the Institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools. All of them are the product of extensive research and scholarly deliberation. They are the primary texts for any serious historical or pedagogical consideration of Lasallian history, education, or spirituality.
The PDF copies made available on this page are OCR-enabled; i.e., they allow individuals to download and search for specific words or phrases. Most of the volumes are in French, but some have been translated into French and/or Spanish.
As more volumes are scanned and processed, they will be added to this page.
Honneur a Toi – Song in Honor of St. John Baptist de La Salle
This hymn is sung by Brothers and others to honor St. John Baptist de La Salle on celebratory occasions. See the resources for it below.
Honneur a Toi was first printed in in Recueil de Cantiques Anciens et Nouveaux (1889 edition). It was one of two hymns composed to mark the beatification of John Baptist de La Salle in 1888: “Honneur a Toi” [Honor to You] and “Veritable Ami de l’Enfance” [True Friend of the Young].
The author of the text of “Veritable” was Brother Idelphus, FSC, a well known translator from Spanish of the poems of Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross. He was chapel master At Passy. And that the composer of the music was Brother Albert des Anges, FSC, successor to Brother Leonce as chapel master at Passy, who authored a large number of hymns and wrote almost all of the accompaniments of the 1889 collection. Both Brothers were commissioned by the superiors to revise the texts and musical settings for the 1889 edition of Recueil de Cantiques Anciens et Nouveaux.
According to Br. Edwin, a French Brother who provided the history of the song in 1991 to a Belgian confrere via a letter, “It would be hard to believe that the authors of the Honneur a Toi were not these two contributors”
Frère: De La Salle – Patron Saint of Teachers
This is a movie-length cartoon about the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle that was created by De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde in the Philippines in 2011. There is also a graphic novel of the same name, which may be seen HERE.
© De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde
2533 Taft Avenue
Manila, Philippines 1004
www.benilde.edu.ph
Lasalliana BINDER
This is a PDF “Binder” of the ALL the published Lasalliana articles.
It is an OCR PDF format and therefore may be searched for specific words and phrases.
→ PDF BINDER LINK ←
Frère – A Graphic Novel
This is a graphic novel on the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle that was created by De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde in the Philippines. It is based on a cartoon video of the same name, which may be seen HERE.
Graphic Novel Adaptation: Benjie M. Marasigan, Jr.
© De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde
2533 Taft Avenue
Manila, Philippines 1004
www.benilde.edu.ph
Br. James Miller, FSC
The Vatican announced on Thursday, November 8, 2018, that Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing that Brother James Miller died as a martyr Feb. 13, 1982, in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. The process for declaring him a martyr began in 2009 and received this important ‘green light’ from the theological commission, which means we will soon be able to celebrate his beatification. Br. James will be the first De La Salle Christian Brothers from the United States to be beatified. The cause of beatification was undertaken by the Diocese of Huehuetenango, Guatemala and received the Decree of Validity in Rome in 2010 when Brother James was designated a Servant of God and a martyr for the faith. As a martyr, Br. James must have one miracle posthumously attributed to him to reach the next level toward official sainthood, which is canonization.
In the afternoon of February 13, 1982, at the age of 37, in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, Brother James (Santiago) Miller was shot several times by three men and he died instantly. Attempts to identify the assassins were unsuccessful. After funeral rites in Guatemala and in Saint Paul, Minnesota, he was buried in the parish cemetery in Polonia, Wisconsin.
August 13 – Saint Benilde Romancon, FSC
![Lasallian Reflection – August 2019 – Our Encounters [insert verb] Our Vocation](https://lasallianresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2019_08_01-The-Encounter-1024x817.jpg)
Lasallian Reflection – August 2019 – Our Encounters [insert verb] Our Vocation
WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT
El Otro Lado – High School Immersion – U.S. / Mexico Border
A video showing the experience of a group of Lasallian students at the U.S.-Mexico border.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Praying Each Day – Nicholas Hutchason, FSC
A website with the prayer resources developed by Br. Nicholas Hutchason, FSC, including links to the books available from his publisher.
The Duties of a Christian to God
A comprehensive “catechism” for both students and teachers, written by John Baptist de La Salle. This work was written in three volumes, each directed to a different audience and with a different purpose.
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.”
Lasalliana – Volume 15
Published: April 1, 1989
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 29
Published: January 1, 1994
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.
Painting – Children Leaving School – Benjamin Vautier (1829-1898)
This popular painting by Benjamin Vautier (1829-1898) shows a group of boys leaving school amidst a snowy scene, with a Brother at the door watching them with benign amusement. Links are below.
Painting A – At the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) – Downloadable with conditions.
Painting B – Professionally copied versions available for purchase.
Print – Online
Tricentenary and the Year of Lasallian Vocations
2019 is the tricentenary anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle’s passing into eternal life. It has also been declared as the Year of Lasallian Vocations.
The goals of this tercentenary year are to:
- Celebrate and give thanks for our common heritage and our vitality through our association for the transformative human and Christian education of the young, especially the poor.
- Renew our commitment to respond to the reality and needs of today through promoting our mission, charism, and founding story.
- Share our hope for the future within the unity and diversity of Lasallian vocations by witnessing the movement of the Spirit in our lives and ministry.
The resources on this page are to assist in providing a variety of ways to educate, collaborate, and celebrate within the Lasallian world and elsewhere.
If there are resources you wish to contribute, please contact Br. Chris Patiño, FSC (brochrisfsc@dlsi.org).
Lasallian Mission Overview
A video of the Lasallian mission on the West Coast of the United States, putting much information and many insights into a relatively short time space.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
The Gentle American
A biography of Brother Charles Henry Buttimer, the first American Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
The History of the Institute
A ten-volume history of the Institute, completed in 1936, by one of the premiere French historians.
District of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea
A website with prayer-related reflections, videos on Lasallian themes, and many formation resources on a variety of topics: De La Salle, pedagogy, Lasallian spirituality, and so on.
Stories of Hope. . . Associated for Our Lasallian Mission
This Bulletin (Nº 254) is based on testimonies from Lasallians around the world. It is a compendium to Circular 461 and should be read in conjunction with it.
Lasalliana – Volume 40
Published: May 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.
Let Us Remember: Stories of the Holy Presence of God
This publication by the Lasallian Publications Committee of the Region of North America provides 52 stories from Lasallian school ministries, child and family youth service ministries, and retreat ministries. Each story focuses on how the “holy presence of God” has been experienced or seen through the eyes of personal witnesses.
An introduction gives an overview of how the holy presence of God has permeated the spirituality of St. John Baptist de La Salle.
Lasallian Research Platform
This is a central online location for scholars to discover research projects and collaboration opportunities.
Hosted at Bethlehem University, the website describes itself as a Lasallian Research Network initiative designed to facilitate research collaboration in a wide variety of subject areas between faculty at the 64 Lasallian institutions of higher education.
The website is rr.bethlehem.edu
Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies
A three-year set of two-week summer courses that focuses on the Lasallian founding story, De La Salle’s educational vision, and De La Salle’s spiritual vision. It seeks to deepen the participants’ association for Lasallian mission and provides a rich opportunity to meet and study with Lasallian from throughout the US/Canada Region and the world.
An Institute in Transition
This is the story of three General Chapters of the Brothers of the Christian Schools by someone who attended and participated in all of them (1966, 1976, 1986) and whose observations provide both the factual, contextual, and personal outlines of the experience.