What education can do

John’s father wanted him to be a lawyer, but John wanted to be a priest.

John prevailed and entered the seminary.

Then, while he was still in his studies, both of his parents died, leaving John with the responsibility for his sisters and brothers. So, John left the seminary and took care of his family.

In time, John would be ordained a priest and would gain a great reputation for holiness and intelligence. For his part, he focused on being open to the will of God, not knowing where it would lead him.

Then someone asked him to help open a school, and then a second one. This he did quietly, but slowly a light began to shine in his mind: this would be the focus of his life.

Ideas started popping in his head: better ways to educate children, better ways to educate teachers, and better ways to tie together education and the religious life.

One of his innovations proved to be so popular, it was eventually adopted everywhere in the world:

John invented “grade school.”

He also founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (“the Christian Brothers”).

St. John Baptist de La Salle died in 1719 on this very day (which was Good Friday that year). He was canonized in 1900.