He is the founder of the Christian Brothers, known technically as the “Brothers of the Christian Schools.” Saint John Baptist de la Salle was born at Rheims, in northern France. This is where Saint Joan of Arc crowned the Dauphin after a French victory over an English army. Saint John Baptist de la Salle’s special patron was, of course, Saint John the Baptist, the precursor of Our Lord. Saint John Baptist de la Salle’s motto in all apostolic endeavors, for the sake of converting souls to the Catholic Faith and preserving those who have it, was to combine zeal with prudence, Faith with charity, and firmness with gentleness. Prudence without zeal for souls, and charity without the challenge of the Faith, and gentleness without the strength of a true apostle, Saint John Baptist de la Salle rejected. He was sixty-eight years old when he died.
Saint John Baptiste de la Salle
