Jean-Baptiste de La Salle
Founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, educational reformer, and father of modern pedagogy, was born at Reims, 30 April, 1651, and died at Saint-Yon, Rouen, on Good Friday, 7 April, 1719.
From Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913, “St. John Baptist de la Salle”
Patronages
According to Catholic tradition, as recorded in the sources cited for each patronage:
Teachers
- Holy See: Message to the Superior Generalof the Brothers of theChristian Schools (April 28, 2001), consulted October 4, 2026
Feast day
- April 7 · General Roman Calendar
- May 15 · Traditional date, Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913
From Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913, “St. John Baptist de la Salle”
The family of de la Salle traces its origin to Johan Salla, who, in the early part of the ninth century, was Commander-in-chief of the Royal forces of Alfonso the Chaste.
It was not, however, until about 1350 that the younger branch of this family, from which our saint is descended, removed to France and settled in Champagne.
John Baptist was the eldest child of Louis de la Salle and Nicolle de Moet de Brouillet.
His parents were very solicitous in the care they bestowed upon their child, especially in regard to is moral and intellectual development.
Prayer from The Raccolta, 1910, no. 393
O GLORIOUS John Baptist de la Salle, Apostle of infancy and of youth, and, from the height of Heaven, our guide and our protector, intercede for us, help us, that, preserved from all the defilement of error and corruption, we may live always faithful to JESUS CHRIST and to the infallible Head of his Church. Grant that, practising the virtues of which thou wast so admirable an example, we may one day partake of thy glory in the heavenly country. Amen.