Lasallian is a term used to describe a ministry or a person fulfilling the mission set forth by Saint John Baptist de La Salle.
Understanding the Institute’s origins and reflecting on the Church as the communion of all baptized believers leads the Brothers to view everyone working together and by association as Lasallian. Even as far back as 1959, Brother Maurice Auguste referred to the term as follows:
The name ‘Lasallian’ has ceased to be a new expression in the eyes of many. For some decades now, it has been used more and more frequently: it adequately, if not fully satisfactorily, describes those in history, literature, the teaching profession, and in spirituality who are influenced by the person, written works, and social initiatives of the Founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, St. John Baptist De La Salle.
A Lasallian is one who can transform the general Christian call to discipleship into a personal vocation, living out in a specific way the call to make Christ present in the world of today.
Most Lasallians who choose to live their baptismal vocation by participating in the Lasallian ministry of education and evangelization, recognized by the Church, are believers in Jesus Christ. However, there are many men and women of other faith families who center their professional and, at times, personal lives on the founding Lasallian story. Lasallian is anyone (married, single, consecrated, ordained) who is personally committed to living the gospel values and working to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor.
A Lasallian is devoted to offering accessible, high-quality education with a strong emphasis on character development and community service. Lasallians value inclusivity, community, and faith, aiming to create a positive impact in the world through education and social justice.
A Lasallian is a dedicated and compassionate individual working to uplift and empower others.
Just as De La Salle went through a process of personal conversion, which made him face up to the full logic of his faith in Christ and the effects of applying the call to discipleship to his own life, a Lasallian is committed to respecting and reverencing others as valuable and important in the eyes of God. This leads to a view that education empowers individuals to make a positive impact in the community and in the global society.
The Brothers of the Christian Schools
District of Eastern North America
444-A Route 35 South
Eatontown, NJ 07724
732-380-7926
