If you are new to the Lasallian world, and even perhaps to the educational world, the whole thing may seem a be daunting. But don’t despair! That’s exactly how De La Salle and the first Brothers began. You’re in good company.
If you just want to have an overview of basics, then start with the booklet “St. John Baptist de La Salle: Founder, Educator, Saint.” Here you will find all the basics about this “Lasallian” business that others seem to find important. Look through the booklet, read the sections that appeal to you, and when you’re ready, take a look at the Study Guide that was created in order to help others look at its contents a little more deeply. Also check out the “Reflections” video, where Br. Gerard Rummery talks simply and directly about St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Brothers, and why he has been so captivated by their experience over the years. The “Inspiration” video will give you an overview of how one videographer, without past experience of agendas, came to understand what the Lasallian world was all about, simply by going around Lasallian sites, filming and asking questions. There are also other resources about Prayer, and District Facts, and the SFNO Website that you might like shown in the carousel below. For a more comprehensive list of resources, go to the RESOURCE CATALOGUE and check off the “NEWCOMERS” box in the search options.
When you find yourself ready, talk with others about what you’re learning, the questions that have come up, and how all of this resonates (or doesn’t) with your initial experience of the Lasallian world. The more you enter into the process of real learning (AKA “Formation”), the greater the opportunity to understand, engage in, and enjoy the Lasallian Catholic educational experience.
2021 International Lasallian COVID Study
2021 International Lasallian COVID Survey
These are the results of the 2021 International Lasallian COVID Study that was sent to all Lasallian institutions in 79 countries.
The report provides a global overview of the pandemic’s impact and of the responses it evoked in the areas of pedagogical management, institutional management, school management, and financial management.
Groups of scholars from Lasallian universities in various parts of the world analyzed the data and provided their conclusions, insights, and recommendations.
Below are PDF copies of the report. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO OPEN THE PDF. The survey instrument itself is HERE.
Video INTRODUCTION below (54 min.)
Creating a New Lasallian Map
Building New Paths to Transform Lives
Two Brothers have written and distributed a small booklet to help facilitate conversations among the Lasallian Family worldwide. It is provided in response to the invitation from the Preparatory Commission of the 46th General Chapter to Lasallians everywhere to think about, discuss, and share their thoughts about the future direction of the Institute.
Printed copies have been made available to each District in the Institute, both for the Brothers and for interested Lasallians.
On this page are downloadable copies of that same booklet, provided in English, Español, and Français.
Please click on the booklet’s image below to download the PDF.
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.)
Lasallian World Maps
Here are two maps of the worldwide Lasallian educational community. The statistics are from 2020.
The blue map simply shows the locations and statistics. The tan map includes hand-drawn images of Brothers involved in a variety of scenes in their ministries.
Either map may be downloaded as a PDF file, which allows you to print it in whatever size you wish. You are free to print and share it without any additional permissions.
To download, click on the map images below for the low-resolution PDF, or on the specific format that you would like from the options next to each map.
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.
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.
Study Guide – “Saint John Baptist de La Salle” Booklet
This guide accompanies the SFNO introductory booklet about De La Salle and his charism “John Baptist de La Salle: Founder, Educator, Saint.”
SFNO District Facts
Overview of the SFNO schools, personnel, demographics, religious backgrounds, etc. of the students and the administrative structure.
Praying with John Baptist de La Salle
A Lasallian prayer resource with specifically themed meditations for use with groups or private prayer and reflection.
Beyond Statues and Doors
A 14-minutes, engaging, contemporary overview of the life and influence of St. John Baptist de La Salle, visiting place in France and Rome.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
De La Salle in Myanmar/Burma
A 7-minute video that shows the work of the Brothers in Myanmar/Burma.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Reflection on De La Salle
Excellent introduction to St. John Baptist de La Salle, his spiritual foundations, and his ongoing impact on the Institute he founded.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Inspiration
A short, compact, and rich video that reflects the breadth and depth of the Lasallian mission, both in the United States and around the world.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
www.delasalle.org
The San Francisco New Orleans District website, of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (AKA De La Salle Christian Brothers), providing both information, resources, and an overview of its composition and activities.
www.lasallian.info
The website for the Brothers of the Christian Schools (AKA De La Salle Christian Brothers) in the United States and Canada.
www.lasalle.org
The international website for the Brothers of the Christian Schools (AKA De La Salle Christian Brothers).
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.
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.
District Workshops and Retreats (SFNO)
Workshops, retreats, and meetings of common-interest groups within the San Francisco New Orleans (SFNO) District.
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.
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.
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.)
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.”
The De La Salle North Difference
This is a compelling talk at the San Miguel School in Portland, OR, by an alum who is passionate and articulate about the difference that school has made in his life.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
Saint John Baptist de La Salle: Patron Saint of Teachers
A remastered version of the 1968 movie, starring Mel Ferrer, that traces De La Salle’s vocation journey and the beginnings of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. While perhaps a bit dated, it remains popular with students and could be used beneficially with a number of audiences.
John Baptist de La Salle (Illustrated Book)
This short illustrated version of the life story of St. John Baptist de La Salle is appealing for all ages, especially young people. The drawings are well done, the story is dramatic, and major components of De La Salle’s life are well covered.