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.
Graphic Novel – “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.
The Letters of John Baptist de La Salle
A collection of the 150 extant letters of St. John Baptist de La Salle, addressed to Brothers, members of his family, religious of other communities, and lay persons. Extensive commentary and historical context is included for all the letters.
The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility
A book written by John Baptist de La Salle as a reader for inner-city boys, showing the way that they should comport themselves and behave in polite society. This is a classic work on politeness, and fun to read.
Collection of Various Short Treatises
A small book of inspirational texts that were put together by John Baptist de La Salle as a companion to the Rule of the Institute and meant to be regularly read and consulted. The oldest printed copy of this book that we have is from 1711, although its first publication was probably 1705.
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.
Rule and Foundational Documents
A collection of early documents from the time of the initial development of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. These documents were the building blocks for the organization and guiding principles that have led to its growth and ongoing vitality.
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.
Religious Instructions and Exercises of Piety for Christian Schools
This book brings together two smaller works by John Baptist de La Salle: 1) Instructions and Prayer for Holy Mass, Confession, and Communion, with Methodical Instruction by Questions and Answers on How to Confess Well, and 2) Exercises of Piety to Be Performed During the Day in the Christian Schools, which includes a number of hymns.
John Baptist de La Salle: Two Early Biographies
These are two of the very earliest biographies of John Baptist de La Salle by authors who knew him personally.
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.
The First De La Salle Brothers: 1681-1719
This book accounts for and traces those Brothers who lives and worked with John Baptist de La Salle during his lifetime.
John Baptist de La Salle and Special Education: A Study of Saint Yon
This work describes the application and development of the early Lasallian charism in the educational establishment at St. Yon.
St. John Baptist de La Salle: The Message of His Catechism
A comprehensive analysis of the catechism written by St. John Baptist de La Salle, with one eye towards doctrine and the other towards the youth of his time.
Sacred Scripture in the Spirituality of Saint John Baptist de La Salle
This work examines the relationship between Sacred Scripture and St. John Baptist de La Salle’s unique spirituality.
Berulle and the French School: Selected Writings
John Baptist de La Salle was a man of his times. This work provides the cultural and religious environment and major figures that influenced his life.
De La Salle: A City Saint and the Liberation of the Poor Through Education
The most recent and most comprehensive biography of John Baptist de La Salle in English by Br. Alfred Calcutt, FSC.
This work is an impressive biography that provides many contextual details about De La Salle’s time, and significant mini-biographies of many of those who were part of De La Salle’s life. If there is information in English on something related to John Baptist de La Salle, it would be found in this book.
For those who would like a PDF copy of the book, HERE is the link. (10 MB)
The History of the Institute
A five-volume, contemporary, well-written work that covers the history of the Institute from its foundations until the mid-20th century.
An Educator and a Saint at Grips with the Society of His Time: John Baptist de La Salle (1651-1718)
A very accessible orientation to the seventeenth-century France in which the Lasallian Educational Movement had its origins.
The Pastoral Letters of Br. John Johnson, FSC
This is a collection of the annual Pastoral Letters from Br. John Johnston, FSC, during his years as Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (1986-2000).
The book may be purchased via the link below. The PDF of the book may be downloaded HERE. (12 MB)