Lasallians helping Lasallians

Recently De La Salle College Cronulla celebrated Founders Day. Founders Day is a time to celebrate the founders of the College: John Baptist de La Salle (De La Salle Brothers) and a very important part of our faith learning.

St John Baptist de La Salle (1651-1719) is the Patron Saint of Teachers. He was born in France in 1651. His family was from the privileged class but after entering the priesthood, De La Salle committed himself to provide a Christian and human education to young people and especially to the poor and marginalised. In 1680, at 29 years of age, John Baptist de La Salle invited young men to join him in devoting themselves to the Christian education of youth. He was canonised in 1900 and became the universal patron Saint of Teachers in 1950. Inspired by their Founder, the De La Salle Brothers developed into a worldwide Christian education community.

"To touch the hearts of the young and to inspire them with the Christian spirit is the greatest miracle you can perform, and it is the one that God asks of you; it is the purpose of your work with the young." (St John Baptist de la Salle)

Founder's Day is for Community and to celebrate what it means to be Lasallian. In the Spirit of St John Baptist De La Salle, students and staff of De La Salle Catholic College Cronulla began with Mass at St Aloysius Church.

Celebrations for Founder's Day continued back at the College with activities throughout the day, including school-wide trivia, food stalls and staff vs students Volleyball! Students participated enthusiastically and raised $5250 for our Sister school in Pakistan (La Salle Girls High School, Gokhuwal).

Prayer to St. John Baptist, Our Dearest Founder

A saint named John Baptist de La Salle taught us how to pray with openness of heart and mind, so may we walk in ways of faith and love to bring the Gospel to mankind.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, our dearest founder, hear your loving students pray. Grant that we, by your protection, grow in virtue day by day.

Model of the Christian teacher, patron of all searching youth; as we follow your example may you lead us in the truth.

So we praise the name of Christ, who for his work has chosen you. Saint John Baptist de La Salle inspires us always. Pray that we may serve Him too, and to light a new beacon for the people of today, give us wisdom, give us guidance, to our Founder that we pray.