15th May, St. John Baptist de la Salle, Confessor

St. John Baptist de la Salle, Confessor

Born at Reims on April 30th, 1651, of an illustrious family, St. John Baptist de la Salle made himself, from childhood, dear to all by the virtues of his soul, the gentleness of his nature and the keenness of his mind. He went to Paris to study theology at the Sorbonne. At seventeen he was a canon of the Cathedral. When he reached the priesthood, he offered the Holy Sacrifice with fervent faith and intense love; these never left him when he was at the altar. God had raised him "to give a Christian education to the poor and to confirm youths in the way of truth" (Collect). With this object in view he founded a new religious congregation which he called "Brothers of the Christian Schools" and which soon spread throughout the world.

Out of humility and out of love for poverty, he gave up his canonry and gave all he had to the poor (Epistle). "Inflamed with zeal for the salvation of souls, he spent himself during his whole life," says the Breviary, "for their greatest good." Assiduously treating himself with rigour, in fastings, flagellations and other austerities, he passed the night in prayer (Introit). Such was his manner of life, until, remarkable for every virtue, especially for his obedience, his zeal for the accomplishment of the divine will, his love and devotion towards the Apostolic See, and loaded with merits, he fell asleep in the Lord at Rouen on Good Friday, April 7th, 1719, at the age of 68.

After striving to pass his life in the most humble duties, by serving Jesus in little children (Gospel), he was called to heaven by the divine Redeemer whose glory he shares, and who still blesses his work throughout the world.

"Let us burn with zeal like this saint to procure the glory of God by saving souls, so that we may share his reward in heaven" (Collect).

Os justi meditabitur sapientiam, et lingua ejus loquetur judicium; lex Dei ejus in corde ipsius. * Noli aemulari in malignantibus: neque zelaveris facientes iniquitatem.

The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgement: the law of his God is in his heart. * Be not emulous of evildoers: nor envy them that work iniquity.

(Psalm 36:30-31,1 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui ad christianam pauperum eruditionem et ad juventam in via veritatis firmandam, sanctum Joannem Baptistam Confessorem excitasti, et novam per eum in Ecclesia familiam collegisti: concede propitius; ut ejus intercessione et exemplo, studio gloriae tuae in animarum salute ferventes, ejus in caelis coronae participes fieri valeamus.

O God, who didst raise up the holy confessor John Baptist, for the Christian education of the poor, and the strengthening of youth in the way of truth, and through him hast gathered together a new family within Thy Church, grant, we beseech Thee, that helped by his prayers and example, we may burn with zeal for Thy glory in the salvation of souls, and become worthy to share his crown in heaven.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08444a.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08056a.htm