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.
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.
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.
May 19 – Blessed Br. Raphael Rafiringa, FSC
May 15 – St. John Baptist de La Salle
WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT
www.lasalle.org
The international website for the Brothers of the Christian Schools (AKA De La Salle Christian Brothers).
Brother Solomon: Martyr of the French Revolution
This book is about the Brother Solomon Leclercq, Secretary of the Institute during the French Revolution.
The book is available on www.amazon.com, and it may be downloaded as a PDF.
Cahiers Lasalliens 63 – The Conduct of Schools: A Comparative Approach
A scholarly comparative analysis by Leon Lauraire, FSC, of the classic work, “The Conduct of Christian Schools.”
Blessed Arnold Reche
A very short video about Blessed Arnold Reche, FSC, that may be used for a prayer service or simply as a brief introduction to his life story.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Lasalliana – Volume 16
Published: October 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 45 – Chronology of Institute Circulars
Published: 1998-1999
INTRODUCTION – Brother Jose Maria VALLADOLID
Chronological Table of the Circulars of the Superiors in the Archives of the Institute
This is an exhaustive, detailed chronology of the Circulars, Pastoral Letters, and other general communications from the center of the Institute between 1684 and 1998. The list is based on what is found in the Archives of the Institute at the Motherhouse in Rome.
Short descriptions of the contents are provided, when possible, for each entry.
One Year In Mission Together
Produced for the tricentenary celebrations in 2019, this booklet highlights 52 ministries from across our Lasallian community and provides a brief explanation of their services, geographically maps their location. It’s a great resource for teachers, administrators, and all Lasallians.
Source: De La Salle International Solidarity Foundation (Rome)
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.
Called to the Pacific
The history of the District of San Francisco from its found in 1868 to 1944. It is available through www.abe.com or the SFNO District library in Napa, CA.
Moving Art
A set of excellent, short videos useful for reflection periods or other purposes.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Explanation of the Method of Interior Prayer
A modern translation of a classic introduction to prayer that was provided by St. John Baptist de La Salle for his Brothers. It provides a detailed outline of the components and goals of the kind of interior prayer constantly advocated and practiced by him and by the Brothers.
12 Virtues of a Good Teacher
A video that covers the 12 Virtues of a Good Teacher that John Baptist de La Salle listed in one of his books.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Lasalliana – Volume 14
Published: January 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 28
Published: September 1, 1993
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.
St. John Baptist de La Salle
A short 8-minute video about St. John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers, that may be used as a brief introduction to his life story.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
The Life of De La Salle (& Manhattan College)
This is a video in commemoration of the tercentenary celebration of the death of St. John Baptist de La Salle in 1719. His life story is told via sections from interviews with individuals at Manhattan College. Along with the story of De La Salle, many students relate why they appreciate Lasallian education, and what they are doing to continue that inspiration into the future. See the fuller description below.
Produced by Manhattan College – New York
Length: 12 min.
The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.
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.)
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.