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.
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.
New Christmas Reflection Video
Advent Video Reflection Series
WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT
Digital Journal of Lasallian Research
An online journal sponsored by the center of the Institute in Rome and focusing on a variety of Lasallian topics. All papers are in PDF format.
Br. Mutien-Marie Wiaux, FSC
A short biography about the French saint, Br. Mutien Marie Wiaux, FSC.
Brother Mutien was not only an effective teacher of music and art and a vigilant prefect in the school yard, he was also a catechist in the nearby parish and a tremendous influence on the students by his patience and evident piety.
The book is available on www.amazon.com, and it may be downloaded as a PDF.
The Pastoral Letters of Br. Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria, FSC
This is a collection of the annual Pastoral Letters from Br. Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria, FSC, during his years as Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (2000-2014).
The book may be purchased via the link below. The PDF of the book may be downloaded HERE. (9 MB)
Blessed Raphael Rafiringa
A very short video about Blessed Raphael Rafiringa, 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 1
Published: September 1, 1983
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.
A full BINDER set of all Lasallian articles is HERE.
Lasalliana – Volume 49
Published: September 1, 1999
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.
A Library Guide Celebrating De La Salle
Intended as a resource for an introductory set of lessons about St. John Baptist de La Salle, this library guide collects online resources from various parts of the internet.
It was put together as a commemoration of the life and legacy of De La Salle and the tricentenary of his death in 2019.
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)
Touching the Hearts of Students: Characteristics of Lasallian Schools
A compact biography of John Baptist de La Salle is combined with an overview of the characteristics of his educational spirituality in modern contexts.
Advanced Degrees in Lasallian Studies
Formal studies in Lasallian studies are available at both Saint Mary’s University and Saint Mary’s College of California. (Link through each institution’s name.)
Comic Book – “St. John Baptist de La Salle
A well done illustration-based overview of the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Very accessible and fun to look at.
2015 RULE of the Brothers
The office 2015 Rule of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (English).
Meditations of John Baptist De La Salle
The collection of 208 meditations by St. John Baptist de La Salle, each in three parts, that cover a wide range of topics, saints, feast days, and matters directly related to the education of youth. It’s focus is on the person of the teacher and the spiritual dimensions of an educator’s vocation. It is an inspiring guidepost to anyone in the ministry of education. Some of the sentiments in 17th century theology. But much of this book may be applied to one’s own journey as a Lasallian administrator and the demands that the responsibility makes.
You can BUY THE BOOK HERE.
For a short introduction video to the Meditations for the Time of Retreat, go to THIS page or see the tab below.
Lasalliana – Volume 24
Published: May 1, 1992
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.
Lasallian Glossary, Style & Publication Guide (SFNO)
A guide to the use of specific terms, phrases, and spellings within the Lasallian educational network.
These protocols were created by and for the District of San Francisco New Orleans.
The Chapel of Disclosure
This video celebrates a new way of experiencing transcendence in a secular context through the transformation of a church space at Centrum De La Salle in Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium.
Based on the work of Br. Herman Lombaerts, FSC
Length: 5 min.
(There is also a French version at THIS link.)
The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.
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.
John Baptist de La Salle: The Spirituality of Christian Education
A solid introduction to how De La Salle integrated the Christian vocation of education of the poor into a coherent spirituality, highlighting sections of his various works.