History of the Institute
God’s Providential Care
The De La Salle Christian Brothers, also known as the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, boast a rich history spanning over three centuries. Their story is one of unexpected beginnings, unwavering faith, and a commitment to educating young people, especially the poor.
John Baptist de La Salle, later canonized by the Church and better known now as Saint John Baptist de La Salle or De La Salle and Patron Saint of Educators, was called into the role of the congregation’s Founder. Early figures such as Madame de Maillefer, the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, Fr. Nicolas Barre, and Adrien Nyel influenced the Founder to dedicate his life to education, catalyzing his path to sainthood.
De La Salle’s Educational Approach
A keen observer of educational practices, De La Salle incorporated the best methods of his time into his own approach. He championed teaching in the vernacular, advancement based on proficiency, and the integration of religious and secular subjects. His most significant contribution, however, was the training of teachers.
De La Salle's journey began in 1680 at the parish of St. Maurice in Reims, France. Disappointed by the quality of teaching at the parish school, he boldly brought the teachers into his home to train them effectively. This core group of instructors, who eventually saw themselves as a brotherhood, formed the foundation of the Institute.
From this small beginning, the teachers became well known and branched out throughout all of France as municipalities and parishes requested De La Salle’s teachers to serve their communities. These inaugural schools became bastions of progressive learning, anchoring the Institute's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual enrichment.
Early Governance and Innovative Structure
As the group of teachers within the Institute expanded and more schools were established, the question of governance emerged as a pressing concern. De La Salle and his community grappled with the challenge of maintaining stability across France's diverse geography.
In the early years, De La Salle assumed the role of sole manager, overseeing various aspects of the Institute's operations, from financial management to resolving disputes with local authorities. However, as the Institute grew, the burden on De La Salle became increasingly untenable. Despite his desire to relinquish control, his Brothers persuaded him to persevere, citing the potential failure of the enterprise without his leadership. It was De La Salle's unwavering faith in God's providence and his belief in divine cooperation that ultimately sustained him, imbuing the Institute with a spirit of faith and zeal that endures to this day.
Over time, Saint De La Salle transitioned towards shared governance by involving the Brothers in key decision-making processes. An important shift occurred in 1686 when the entire community convened to collectively determine crucial aspects of their identity. During this assembly, they established their dress code, committed to a vow of obedience, and adopted the name "Brothers of the Christian Schools." This assembly served as a pivotal milestone, signaling the Institute's eventual evolution towards self-governance.
The Heroic Vow and the Birth of a Society
The early 1690s proved challenging for the fledgling Institute. Illness struck down several Brothers, threatening the community's very existence. In response, Saint De La Salle, along with Brothers Nicolas Vuyart and Gabriel Drolin, took a momentous step. In 1691, they made the now-famous "Heroic Vow," pledging to remain together for life, even in poverty, to build their educational society. This act solidified their unwavering commitment to their mission.
In 1694, a General Chapter assembly marked another significant turning point. Twelve Brothers formally committed themselves to a life of community and obedience through lifelong vows. This event, seen by some as the true beginning of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, solidified the foundation laid by the Heroic Vow.
Leadership Tested: De La Salle’s Return to the North
While expanding schools in southern France, De La Salle visited a retreat center called Parmenie, befriending Sister Louise who ran it. However, his southern sojourn coincided with problems back north. Governance issues arose again, with a local pastor attempting to control operations. Some Brothers wavered in their commitment, siding with the priest. In response, the experienced "Principal Brothers" leading local schools invoked De La Salle's vow of obedience, recalling him to restore order. He returned and resumed leadership.
A Lasting Legacy: The Institute Takes Shape
De La Salle's dedication continued until his passing on Good Friday, 1719. But before his death, he ensured the young Institute's future. Brother Barthelemy assumed the mantle of leadership, following a structure De La Salle had established. This framework included a Superior elected by the Brothers themselves, experienced Principal Brothers overseeing local operations, and regular General Chapter assemblies to determine leadership and the Brothers' way of life. Though their founder was gone, his spirit and the Institute's mission thrived. New schools were founded across France, solidifying the Brothers' presence in the nation's educational landscape.
The Institute in Exile:
After De La Salle’s passing, the Institute thrived in France for a period. However, the tumultuous French Revolution shattered this tranquility. Religious orders faced suppression, forcing the Brothers into a difficult choice: secularize and continue teaching, or remain true to their faith and leave the country.
Though the Revolution brought tragedy – some Brothers were even assassinated for refusing to secularize – it also presented an unforeseen opportunity. Driven from France, the Brothers carried their mission abroad. This forced migration led to a remarkable expansion.
Continuing the Legacy of Zeal and Education
The De La Salle Christian Brothers have transcended borders, becoming one of the world's largest Catholic school networks. From the Bamboo School aiding children on the Thai-Myanmar border to De La Salle University in Manila, we are pleased to serve over 1 million students in nearly 78 countries. The commitment to De La Salle’s charism – a special divine calling to educate – extends beyond the Brothers themselves. Inspired by his spirit of faith and a passion for educating young minds, especially those in need, over 100,000 lay partners have joined our mission.
While the governance structure has grown more intricate, with a Superior General overseeing five regions, the core mission remains unchanged. Lay partners actively participate in leadership and central operations, reflecting the Institute's evolving landscape.
Through it all, the spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and his pioneering Brothers endures. They are the foundation upon which a global legacy of education is built, and their mission to empower young people continues to inspire countless educators and students around the world.
Institute Statistics
About Institute Statistics
Today, there are over 3,000 Brothers and 100,000 educators serving in 1,100 schools and educational institutions worldwide, collectively educating over one million students across eighty countries. These institutions cater to all levels of education, including kindergarten, primary, middle, and high schools, as well as non-formal educational centers, vocational training centers, and universities. Over half of these Lasallian students reside in regions facing significant social and educational challenges, where access to education is scarce. The Mission's ethos is deeply rooted in equity, providing educational opportunities to marginalized communities who would otherwise be excluded from learning.
The Leavening Movement
The Christian Brothers were founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle to have a strong preference for educating those students who live on the margins of what society considers acceptable, many of whom are also economically poor. The Leavening Project asks us to be present in areas around the globe where children live in poverty.
The Leavening Project, inspired by the image of yeast raising bread, challenges Lasallians to act as a catalyst for positive change in impoverished communities worldwide. By providing quality education, the project empowers children to rise above their circumstances. As these students flourish, their communities experience a ripple effect of growth and development, mirroring the rising of bread dough.
Across the globe, Lasallians are focusing on impoverished communities, where Brothers and Lasallian Partners will serve as the catalysts—infusing faith, zeal, and hope—to catalyze transformative change. In North America, three transformational projects have been kickstarted: Tijuana, Homestead, Florida, and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. In these areas, the collective efforts of Lasallians aim to foster a new dawn of opportunity and progress for those in need.