Each year, Lasallians honor St. John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Institute of the
Brothers of the Christian Schools and patron saint of teachers, on May 15, known as the Solemnity of St. John Baptist de La Salle or Founder’s Day. However, in 2016, May 15 is Pentecost Sunday, also a solemnity but with a higher ranking than the solemnity of a saint. When this happens, the rule is that the solemnity that is outranked should be celebrated on the first free day following the date it was outranked. For St. La Salle, the 2016 celebration would be May 16.
The solemnity is a day to reflect on the rich history of the Lasallian mission and celebrate the man whose vision and dedication to providing a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor, launched the worldwide Lasallian network. Many schools and ministries host various events and liturgies to honor De La Salle. The resources below are available to assist in planning or enhance your knowledge of the founder. Share your resources and solemnity or Founder’s Day stories by emailing them to communications@lasallian.info.
About De La Salle
Prayer Services (Midwest District)
On the Web
Downloadable Materials
- Customizable PowerPoint from Mullen High School (Denver, CO) featuring ideas for a week of activities
- Customizable flyer with activities from De La Salle North Catholic High School (Portland, OR)
- Books by the Founder
- 100 Short Quotes of Saint John Baptist de La Salle by Brother Nicholas Hutchinson, FSC
- Comic book
Pictures of De La Salle from the Institute