A Reflection on the Life of St. John Baptist de la Salle

The life of St. John Baptist de la Salle is truly a life marked with heroism, sacrificing his wealth, family and Canon status; dedicating his time and efforts towards educating the poor. His honest intention to help a friend named after Adrian Nyel in establishing a school for the poor children has eventually became his own mission . New Advent Encyclopedia (2012) stated that fulfilling this mission has required him to left his position as Canon of Reims and ignored the criticisms received from his wealthy and influential families.  He even donated his share in his family’s properties to finance the mission of Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools to create a reform on the educational practices that only rich and influential people in France could afford. 

The reform on the educational practices led by St. Baptist de la Salle initiated in France (that extended across the world) on behalf of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools is focus on providing free education to the poor children. He encouraged the use of classroom teaching that equally hones students’ skill and knowledge as against the one-on-one teaching experienced by wealthy families. He valued writing and reading as the first learning a student must acquire to advance on higher education. He believed that education is for everyone by making it accessible to poor children, for these poor children to enjoy learning without the need of paying it through labor and punishment. He even offered food for these poor children and gave them time to play during school hours.     

Creating such a reform in the educational system in the midst of monarchical reign, a church-dominated and conservative education, and nobility status has greatly showed the courage, determination and the servant-leadership qualities of St. John Baptist de la Salle. During his time, France was under a monarchy government where absolute power has been demonstrated by the King and that initiating a reform could be treated as a government rebellion. Smitha (2014) stated that the Catholic Church controlled the education in France at that time and the teachers of education were priest in contrast with most of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools’ members who were non-priest and still needs training. In view of this, he endured the persecution of certain ecclesiastical authorities. In 16th century, societal class has been observed in France, on the concept of nobility which conferred certain privileges acquired hereditary. In order to keep that status and prominence, noble people in France hired tutors for their children, an act which common people could not afford. Thus the reform introduced by St. John Baptist de la Salle received contempt among elite class.   

Truly the works of St. John Baptist de la Salle are inspirational and worth emulating. He is worthy of being the Founder of Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools, Patron of Christian Teachers and a Father of Modern Education (De La Salle University, 2014).  His life testified that everyone of us has a mission- a purpose to change the world for the better and in order to create change we must see and accept the factors that need to be changed and start the change we want to see in ourselves so that we could influence others. St. John Baptist de la Salle saw the need of reform on the educational system in France and that education must be able to reach the poor children leading him for the reform. The change that we want could not be that easy and it may question our faith and it might need a lot of determination and prayers because we could not expect everyone to support us. St. John Baptist de la Salle accepted the challenge to lead the reform on education despite the opposition of his family and the lack of ecclesiastical support. He was even persecuted and had to withstand the insults thrown upon him.

With this I realized that my existence in this world also has a purpose. This is to be a worthy citizen that would effect change for the better. I came from poor family and I am thanking institutions that grant free education because I am one of their recipients. I was able to finish my undergraduate studies because of scholarships. I also value education just like St. John Baptist de la Salle in view that through education I can escape from poverty because it could give me better opportunities. I have a purpose to change the economic status of my family starting from myself. I will also be a servant leader that will perform my duties on work with great humility and to the higher purpose that will it make others’ life better. I have to be determined and disciplined to be an inspiration to others as well. I know that I will have to face struggles and not everyone will believe on me. However, I also have faith that if Christ is with me then no one can be against me. St. John Baptist de la Salle held on the power of faith to fulfill his mission and purpose here on earth and he is a man of God. I believe God will do the same on anyone who finds strength in Him.

Image Source: http://www.lasalle.edu/heritage/imgs/La_Salle_W_Brothers.jpg