Pope Leo XIV recently addressed the Brothers of the Christian Schools, emphasizing the importance of their educational mission. He highlighted the legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, praising his innovative teaching methods. The Pope encouraged the Brothers to focus on current events and the ministerial dimension of teaching. He also urged them to find creative solutions to contemporary challenges while continuing to evangelize through education. The Pope acknowledged the Brothers' dedication to educating young people worldwide and inspiring them to pursue holiness.
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Pope Leo XIV addressed the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the Lasallian Brothers, on May 15, 2025 1. The audience coincided with the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint John Baptist de La Salle as the patron saint of educators and the 300th anniversary of Pope Benedict XIII's approval of the Institute and its Regulations 1 2 3 4. The Lasallian Brothers, a lay religious congregation, are devoted to education and teaching, with a mission to provide human and Christian education, especially to the poor 4 5.
Pope Leo XIV's address focused on two key aspects of the Lasallian Brothers' history: attention to current events and the ministerial and missionary dimension of teaching within the community 1 5. He commended the Brothers for their continued dedication to the formation of young people with enthusiasm, fidelity, and a spirit of sacrifice 1 3 4. The Pope encouraged them to continue inspiring joyful and fruitful paths of holiness among the young people they serve 5.
The Pope paid tribute to the "educational revolution" brought about by St. John Baptist de La Salle 2. De La Salle innovated education by introducing classroom teaching, a model that has become the norm worldwide 2. He also advocated for the adoption of French as the language of instruction instead of Latin, making education more accessible 1 2 3. Furthermore, De La Salle emphasized the involvement of families in the school curriculum, promoting an "educational triangle" 1 3.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the challenges facing young people today, including isolation caused by superficial relationships and emotional instability 1 2 3 4. He also pointed to the spread of relativism and the lack of time for listening, reflection, and dialogue, leading to loneliness 1 2 3 4. The Pope urged the Brothers to turn these challenges into "springboards" to explore new ways to connect with students and help them overcome obstacles 1 2 4.
The Pope emphasized teaching as a ministry and mission, a form of consecration in the Church 1 2 3 4. He quoted St. John Baptist de La Salle's saying, "Your altar is the classroom," highlighting the importance of lay teachers and catechists in the community 1 4 5. Pope Leo XIV noted that by evangelizing through education and educating through evangelization, the Brothers contribute to the growth and sanctification of the Church 2 3 4.
Pope Leo XIV expressed his hope that vocations to Lasallian religious consecration would grow 1 3 4. He encouraged the promotion of these vocations within and beyond Lasallian schools 1 4. The Pope believes that these vocations, in synergy with other formative components, can inspire joyful and fruitful paths of holiness among young people 1 5.
How does Catholic education serve evangelization and human formation?
Although Pope Leo XIV is the current Pope, the provided resource is a speech from Pope John Paul II to the Brothers of the Christian Schools . In his address, Pope John Paul II acknowledges the Brothers' role in education and evangelization, particularly for the poor . He emphasizes the importance of their consecrated life as a witness to God's primacy and the fraternity found in Christ . Furthermore, he encourages collaboration with other religious congregations and the laity, highlighting the significant role lay people play in the Church's life .