Lasallian Haritage

By:Snawer GillMS-Scholar

LASALLIAN PRAYER

Introduction to

Our Mission, Heritage, Values and Spirituality are central to all we do. And thus our heritage and values makes us different from others.Young people we help often have not had people around them who

display behaviour they can be proud to imitate and learn from. We have the opportunity to show each other, our students and the wider community, what it means

to be a Lasallian.

Why are we different from others?

What it means to be a Lasallian?

LET’S HAVE A VIEW OF DIFFERENT LASALLIANS ………….

Our La Sallian heritage, the values and our core behaviour are both guide and reminder of how we can best support young

people, our community and each other.

Inspiring Story of St. John Baptist De La Salle

• Birth & Childhood

• Young John & His Faith• His Vocation to be a Priest• Tough time in the Seminary• His Ordination as a Priest• Love for suffering children• Hardship and Barriers


In the seventeenth century while France was still in conflict with Spain with the so called the 30th years wars------------------------ A baby boy was born on April 30th 1651. He was ordained to make difference for his country. He was named John Baptist De LaSalle. He grew up with all the privileges of a wealthy family, but in a true Catholic faith.


As a child John Baptist LaSalle was very much interested in religious activities. He often used to go to church along with His grandmother and was very much interested in the lives of all the Saints.


Because of His desire to love God even more, and the inspiration from the religiosity of His family, the young John decided to pursue his vocation at St. Sulpice Seminary in Paris at the age of 11. In seminary, He spent most of his time in prayer and meditating about his vocation.


While under spiritual formation in Paris he received an unexpected shock as the father rector in the seminary informed him about the sad news of his father death. John was total in disbelief only 9 months ago his beloved mother NICOLE MOET also passed away. Being the eldest among the children, he took good care of his family affairs especially the welfare of his Youngers.


John had a tough time as he was caught between two tough choices, immersed himself in constant prayers for enlightenment. “LORD! ENLIGHTEN ME TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH FOR ME, BUT NOT AS I WILL BUT AS YOURS WILL”.


Finally He decided to go back the seminary in Paris after taking care of his family affairs on Holy Saturday. On April 9, 1678 John was ordained to the Holy order of priesthood. After his daily tasks as a Canon of the Cathedral of Rheims, he proceeds to the Convent of the Holy child Jesus as the spiritual director of Nuns.

St. John Baptist De La Salle As the number of the students and schools flourished DE LASALLE and his brother’s encountered persecution and stiff opposition. Some of the teachers in Paris were burned, teaching material was confiscated and schools were ordered closed. His brothers were humiliated and beaten in the streets. Because of these problems and the death of some brothers, those who left fell ill. Others were leaving and those who stayed were left dispirited.


The fear and the anxiety of the brothers and at the same time longing for communion and solidarity with the teachers in the work left a deep mark in the heart of De LaSalle. This was a time of great temptation for him.This led him to abandon his canonry and so faced the humiliation of friends, family and clergymen.

Let’s see. . . .


On Holy Wednesday of 1719, the founder gave instructions to his brothers. the founder who offered his life for the poor’s died in peace and reunited with his creator with the brothers in tears and prayers surrounding him, John Baptist De LA Salle was 68 years old when died………..

On Death Bed

“I adore in all things the hand of God in my life!”

Group DiscussionGuide Questions for Reflection

What was the kind of life St. De La Salle grew up with and how was he drawn into helping the poor youth of his time?In the story what were the innovations that St. De La Salle introduced to effectively educate the young?

What were the difficulties and sacrifices that St. De La Salle suffered and offered to educate the poor children of France and how did He face these challenges?

What particular part of His life inspired you most?How will you share or apply this inspiration from the life of St. De La Salle to your daily life as a Lasallian?

SpiritualitySpirituality is the way we

organize our lives around the deepest

source of energy and

desire.

Spirituality

It can also be defined as an expression of a person’s inner power; the capacity of a person to relate to a holy power/ Higher presence; a relationship which moves from acknowledgment to surrender and finally reflection.

La Sallian spirituality is a particular way we go about establishing our relationship to the holy power , high presence and then how we organize our services of others around us. this spirituality must be rael for us and actually connect with our lives compelling/challenging us to change and grow,

To live is to change and

to change often is to be perfect

1. The spirit of community.

1. The spirit of community.

The spirit of community has been very important aspect of La Sallian spirituality. The community life in which we live adds meaning to the mission we share and sharing our community life help young people to know more about our La Sallian Heritage.

A La Sallian community is one in which one can experience closeness, affection and where one is able to share one’s worries, joys, and problems.

The spirit of faith leads us to regulate our conduct in all things by the sentiments and truths that faith teaches us. A strong faith is a great quality of all the Lasallians.

Inspiration: John Baptist called on the Brothers to remember they were in the presence of God; to remember his Goodness ; remember their call for action; to act with full energy.

2. The spirit of faith

You have been chosen by God to proclaim His glory by your actions. It is God who has called you, who has destined you for this work, and who has sent you to work in his vineyard.

1-You are called by God to your work:

You have been chosen by God to proclaim His glory by your actions. It is God who has called you, who has destined you for this work, and who has sent you to work in his vineyard.

Key Elements of Lasallian Faith

Let this be your whole effort in the instructions you give them, looking

upon yourself as the ministers of God and the dispensers of his mysteries.

You are co-workers with God:You are co-workers with God:2-

Every day you have poor children to instruct. Love

them tenderly as your children…these

poor are also the ones whom God has entrusted to

you and to whom youare obliged to proclaim the

truths of His holy Grace.

Working for the poor:

Every day you have poor children to instruct. Love

them tenderly as your children…these

poor are also the ones whom God has entrusted to

you and to whom youare obliged to proclaim the

truths of His holy Grace.

3-

It is a belief that drives actions of goodness with deep sense of commitment and clarity.

InspirationLet Your Zeal give proof that you love those whom God has entrusted to you.

The Lasallian way of looking upon difficult children is to formulate their lives by touching their hearts. And they can do so with the spirit of faith which should be overflowed and shows itself through a spirit of zeal:

3. The spirit of zeal

LasallianCore values

Lasallian Core Values Faith in the

Presence of God

We value the living presence of God in our

world, viewing it with the “eyes of faith.” As such we expect students to

learn how to:Recognize and honor the presence of God in all of

creation.

I will continue “O my God” to do all my actions for the love of you.

Let’s remember that we are in the most holy presence of our God.

We value the inherent dignity, worth and gifts of each person. As such we expect students to learn how to:Set personal and educational goals based on self-understandingDevelop a sense of well-being and confidence in his or her abilities.Recognize the dignity of all persons.Participate in a variety of activities that develop his or her appreciation of the body’s potential for physical expression of emotions, ideas, and goals.Recognize and appreciate beauty and complexity in music, art, and drama.

Respect for All Persons

We value an education that prepares students not only

for college and a job, but for life. As such we expect

students to learn how to: Communicate effectively by

listening, reading, speaking and writing

effectively, and thinking critically.

Prepare for college, career, and life-long learning.

Take responsibility for his or her own learning.

Quality Education

Acquire basic academic life skills including but not limited to, economic, political science and nutrition as well as addressing contemporary world problems and issues and using current technology.

Quality Education

We value a sensitivity and response to the needs of those people in our own community

and elsewhere who suffer from the effects of poverty and

injustice. As such we expect students to learn how to:

Recognize, respond to and serve the needs of others especially

the poor.

Concern for the Poor and Social Justice

We believe in new and innovative ideasThe courage to be at the forefront of finding new, creative and efficient responses to the most urgent needs of the young people.

Innovation and Resourcefulness

We are called to be the

Brothers and sisters of the young people entrusted to

our care.

To be Brothers and Sisters to all

Lasallian Mission in the World

Lasallian Mission in the PARC

STATISTICS ON THE LASALLIAN EDUCATIONAL MISSION

RELAF RELAL PARC USA/CAN RELEM TotalNumber of Schools 75 269 73 77 395 889

Students 43,428 325,534 159,964 71,051 258,692 858,669

Teachers + Management Team + other team

RELAF(Africa)

RELAL(Latin

America)

PARC(Asia/

Oceania)

USA/CAN(North

America)

RELEM(Europe)

Total

Brothers FSC 168 730 195 237 693 2,023Religious- Sisters – Priests

74 243 59 152 164 702Laymen 1.669 15,402 6,089 5,587 12,023 40,770Laywomen 754 16,235 6,613 5,247 10,745 39,594Total 2,665 32,610 12,966 11,223 23,625 83,089

Towards

the

Conclusion

Time for personal

Reflection

Thank You for Listening