THE DE LA SALLE BROTHERS
Introduction
The De La Salle Brothers, also known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools, belong to the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. They are a Roman Catholic religious teaching congregation founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle in 1680. Their mission is to provide quality education to young people, especially the poor and marginalised, and to promote social justice through their educational initiatives.
Founder’s Vision
St. John Baptist de La Salle was deeply moved by the plight of the children of artisans and the poor in France. These children were often neglected and lacked access to education. In response to God’s call, he began to work with teachers in establishing schools to provide these underprivileged boys with a quality education. These institutions were named “Christian Schools”. With these teachers, De La Salle founded a lay community in 1680, which led to the initiation of a new kind of consecrated life known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
Work of the De La Salle Brothers Today
The De La Salle Brothers have a global presence, with more than 1,150 educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, vocational training institutions, children welfare centres and retreat centres in about 80 countries. They serve more than 1,160,000 students, providing quality education and promoting social justice and about 80,000 people who benefit from non-formal works. The Brothers’ commitment to education extends beyond the classroom as they work to address the broader social and economic issues that affect their students and communities. In many parts of the world, the De La Salle Brothers have established institutions in underserved and marginalised communities. The Brothers’ holistic approach to education aims to empower individuals and communities to achieve their full potential.
The De La Salle Brothers within the Institute are religious educators who:
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Respond to God’s call to dedicate their life to educating children and young people by taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
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Live in community with other members of the Institute “together and by association”, committing to maintain Lasallian Schools and serve the poor while fulfilling any ministry assigned to them, regardless of location.
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Do not seek the priesthood; their mission is to educate children and young people in a Christian way, encompassing both secular and religious subjects.
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Dedicate themselves to being Apostles by helping children and young people entrusted to their care to address their needs and problems, striving to be more than a friend by being a ‘brother’ to each one of them.
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Catechise and form the faith of children and young people about God and the truths of the faith, and help them live as Christians, guiding them to grow in their knowledge and love of God.
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Show care and concern for all children and young people entrusted to them by God, with a special focus on the poor and the marginalised who need more help.
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​Seek constant improvement through study and personal reflection to perform teaching and pastoral duties with greater competence.
Together and By Association
The De La Salle Brothers are part of a larger Lasallian Family that includes lay people who share their charism and mission. The concept of “together and by association” in Lasallian education is a foundational principle that emphasises collaboration, unity and shared mission among members of the Lasallian community. This principle is rooted in the vow of association made by St. John Baptist de La Salle and his first Brothers on November 21, 1691. The key aspects of the concept of “together and by association” are as follows:
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Shared Mission. The vow of association signifies a commitment to work together for the common mission of providing a human and Christian education to young people, especially the poor and marginalised. This mission is central to all Lasallian educational endeavours.
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Collaboration and Unity. “Together and by association” implies that members of the Lasallian community, including Brothers, lay partners, educators, students, and alumni, collaborate and support one another in their educational efforts. This collaboration is not just about working together but also about sharing values, vision, and a sense of purpose.
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Community and Belonging. “Together and by association” fosters a sense of community and belonging among members of the Lasallian family. It encourages mutual support, understanding, and respect, creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
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Commitment to Education. The principle of association underscores the importance of a collective commitment to the educational mission. It highlights that the work of education is not an individual endeavour but a shared responsibility that requires the dedication and cooperation of all members of the community.
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Global Reach. “Together and by association” extends beyond local communities to the global Lasallian network. It encourages members to look beyond their immediate context and to collaborate with Lasallians worldwide, sharing resources, ideas, and best practices to enhance the quality of education and promote social justice
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Together and by association, Lasallians work together in the spirit of unity and shared vision to create a more just and equitable world through the transformative power of quality education. It is a commitment to collaboration, community, and collective responsibility, guided by the values and vision of St. John Baptist de La Salle.
Together and by association, Lasallians work together in the spirit of unity and shared vision to create a more just and equitable world through the transformative power of quality education. It is a commitment to collaboration, community, and collective responsibility, guided by the values and vision of St. John Baptist de La Salle.
Global Reach and Impact
The De La Salle Brothers have made a significant contribution to the field of education over the past three centuries. They are committed to serving the poor and marginalised and have transformed the lives of countless young people around the world. Their legacy continues to inspire educators today to further the mission of creating a more just and equitable world through education.
REFERENCES
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The Rule of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
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Together and by Association