Saint John Baptist de la Salle

Today the Church commemorates Saint John Baptist de la Salle (1651-1719), patron saint of teachers.

Born in Rheims, France, he became a priest and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the education of children, founding schools for the poor. With his colleagues, he formed a congregation, the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

He is considered the founder of the first Catholic schools.

For more information, please visit:

New Advent: St. John Baptist de la Salle

Catholic Culture: Lent: April 7th, Optional Memorial of St. John the Baptist de la Salle

Founders: John Baptist de la Salle, Christian Brothers

Lasallian Family: Patron of all Teachers

Saint Mary's Press: John Baptist de La Salle's Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher

National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools: Brother Agathon's letter on The Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher