If you have been around a Lasallian institution for a few years, then it is likely that you are already familiar with most of the acronyms, programs, and priorities of the Lasallian tradition of education. You should be able to recognize the resources that are provided for Newcomers, and you may now be interested in delving a little more deeply into Lasallian history, or pedagogy, or spirituality.
One way of revisiting the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the inspiration behind this educational movement -finding out his perspective on teachers, teaching, students, and schools – is to reach “Touching the Hearts of Students.” A larger, excellent biography is “The Work is Yours.” The recent Institute document on “Association” provides a wonderful introduction into the essentially collaborative nature of Lasallian ministry. And the Lasallian glossary will fill in the gaps about the meaning of esoteric Lasallian terms. The videos that you will appreciate include “I Am Lasallian” and the various Mission Videos that have been made, especially ones like “The De La Salle North Difference.” And, of course, there are the websites of the District and of the Region that are worth exploring more thoroughly, especially in terms of programs like the Buttimer Institute and Huether. For a more comprehensive list of resources, go to the RESOURCE CATALOGUE and check off the “5+ EDUCATORS” box in the search options.
You will already know that these things are best processed with others, whether through casual conversation, faculty retreats, or District workshops. 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.
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.)
Br. George Van Grieken, FSC – Workshop & Retreat Resources
Below are a set of resources that have been used for workshops and retreats provided by Br. George Van Grieken, FSC, and the Lasallian Resource Center in Napa, CA. They include sets of PDF handouts, Powerpoints, and other items that those who attended those workshops and retreats, or those who are interested in the same topic, may find helpful. As much as possible, proper attribution has been provided, and other internet references are cited.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Huether Conference
The annual gathering of Lasallian educators of the Lasallian Region of North America that focuses on innovative educational issues and a changing variety of themes related to Lasallian education and the schools. It is open to faculty and staff from all Lasallian ministries and includes major addresses, breakout sessions, seminars, and the like.