His schools taught in French instead of Latin, grouped pupils by ability, and trained teachers properly, which was unusual for the time. Today the De La Salle Brothers run schools and universities in around eighty countries. In 1950 Pope Pius XII named him patron of all teachers.
Historical Context
The Lasallian schools still begin classes with a short prayer: “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.” It’s a habit worth borrowing.
An April 7 Prayer for Teachers
Lord, on the feast of St John Baptist de La Salle,
I thank you for every teacher who shaped my life.
Bless teachers today with patience, energy and love for their students.
Help them see each child as you do,
especially the ones who are hardest to reach.
St John Baptist de La Salle, pray for them.
Amen.
A Prayer for Students
Lord, help me learn well and think clearly.
Give me curiosity and good habits.
Let me remember that I’m always in your presence.
Amen.
A World Health Day Prayer
Lord, bless doctors, nurses and health workers around the world,
especially where clinics are few and medicine is scarce.
Heal the sick, and give us wisdom to care for our bodies.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 7 April, at the start of a school day.
- At a staff meeting or teacher appreciation event.
- Before exams.
Scripture Connection
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
De La Salle believed teaching was a ministry, not just a job. Proverbs explains why: what a child learns stays with them.
Related prayers
For teachers and youth, see the St John Bosco Prayer and Coaches Prayer. For the month, the April Prayer Guide.