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.
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.
Lasallian Reflection – Oct 2019 – The Synergizing Prerequisite for Genuine Education
Lasallian Reflection – Sep 2019 – The Dance of Grace & Faith
WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT
The Work is Yours
An excellent biography of St. John Baptist de La Salle – his context, his life, and his enduring influence – by a major Lasallian scholar.
Lasallian Social Justice Institute
A formation program for the Partners and Brothers in the Lasallian Region of North America based on the Gospel and our Lasallian vocation to the promotion of social justice and service to the poor.
MEL Publications
This collection of small format monographs published since 2001 by the MEL Secretariat in Rome addresses various topics connected with the Lasallian educational mission by a variety of authors. They are very much worth examining on an individual basis, especially those highlighted in the description below.
Circulars – AKA Circular Letters
International communications from the center of the Institute regarding important events and topics.
Brother James Miller
A very short video about Servant of God, James Miller, 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 22
Published: October 1, 1991
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 53
Published: September 1, 2000
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: Journey of a Man
This one-man show by Michael Cook, now-retired professor of drama at Saint Mary’s College of California, presents the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle in an engaging, dramatic, and comprehensive fashion. No one has ever done such a depiction of this Patron Saint of Teachers, and Michael does justice to all of the story’s drama, nuances, and sets of characters involved.
The production was written by Michael, his wife Jeffra, and Dan Cauthon, along with a host of other collaborators. It is a project that came about as a project taken on while he was part of the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies.
Actor: Michael Cook
For further credits see the RESOURCE DESCRIPTION tab below.
Length: 1 hour
(The entire 3-hour production, it is available at THIS link.)
The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.
Praying with John Baptist de La Salle
A Lasallian prayer resource with specifically themed meditations for use with groups or private prayer and reflection.
The Lasallian Mission of Human and Christian Education: A Shared Mission
This 1997 document by Br. John Johnston, FSC, provides the foundational understanding of what it means to be part of a “Shared Mission” in Lasallian schools that are part of the Lasallian charism.
John Baptist de La Salle: The Formative Years
A historical overview of those who impacted the education of St. John Baptist de La Salle the most, tracing his educational and formative journey from a young age until his ordination to the priesthood.
Lasallian Mission – Mexico
A short video about the Lasallian schools and educational projects in Mexico.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Lasalliana – Volume 12
Published: June 1, 1987
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 Themes – VOLUME 2
This set of three volumes covers a wide variety of terms, themes, and topics found in the writings of John Baptist de La Salle and his spirituality. Each of the terms, themes, or topics is covered extensively, with solid references to De La Salle’s own writings across his entire corpus or written works. They were published between 1992 and 1997 and consist of 99 articles.
The 33 themes in this VOLUME 2 are arranged alphabetically, starting with the theme of “BROTHER’S DRESS” and ending with the theme of “WORLD AND RELATIONS WITH THE WORLD.”
LINKS to the individual articles for VOLUME 2 may be found below.
Date of Publication: 1995
Publisher: BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS 476, Via Aurelia – CP 9099 Aurelio – 00165 Roma Italy
The printed volumes are available from Mr. Abraham Tesfai at the Generalate in Rome (atesfai@lasalle.org)
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:
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 ←
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.