[]April 7
Saints of the Day

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, 1651-1719, Father of Modern Education
The Frenchman patron of all teachers, with his schools for the poor, founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers), the Father of Modern Education

    He seemed assured then of a life of dignified ease and a high position in the Church.

    But God had other plans for John, which were gradually revealed to him in the next several years. During a chance meeting with M. Nyel of Raven, he became interested in the creation of schools for poor boys in Raven, where he was stationed. Though the work was extremely distasteful to him at first, he became more involved in working with the deprived youths.

    Once convinced that this was his divinely appointed mission, John threw himself wholeheartedly into the work, left home and family, abandoned his position as canon at Rheims, gave away his fortune and reduced himself to the level of the poor to whom he devoted his entire life.

    Founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers), established and supported academic education for all boys, not just the nobility.

    Instituted the process of dividing students into grades. Established the first teacher's school. Started high schools and trade schools. Proclaimed the patron of all teachers of all youth by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

Born 1651 at Rheims, France
Died 1719 at Rouen, France
Canonized 1900
Images Gallery of 27 images (706kb) of Saint John
Additional Information
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1346
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj16.htm
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Readings
Be driven by the love of God because Jesus Christ died for all, that those who live may live not for themselves but for him, who died and rose for them. Above all, let your charity and zeal show how you love the Church. Your work is for the Church, which is the body of Christ. from a meditation by John Baptist de La Salle

Saints of April 7:
 http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0407.htm

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