John Baptist de la Salle

John Baptist de la Salle was born into a wealthy family in France in 1651. After his parents’ death, he cared for his younger siblings and studied for the priesthood. A man asked him to help create a free school for poor children. Although people criticized the idea of free schools, Father John built more, taught teachers to teach and to respect all students, and founded the Christian Brothers. Saint John Baptist de la Salle is the patron saint of educators and principals.

This book is part of the Saints for Communities collection from the Saints and Me! series of children's books (for ages 4-9). Saints are real-life heroes of faith who inspire us to become more like Jesus Christ. Books featured in this collection can be ordered separately or as a set (A00080). 

• Thomas the Apostle: Builder and Believer
• Matthew the Apostle: Banker and God's Storyteller
• Cecilia: Singing and Sharing the Faith
• Joan of Arc: Brave Soldier for Peace
• John Baptist de la Salle: Caring Teacher and Mentor
• Michael the Archangel: Protector of God's People

Available separately, the companion Saints for Communities Activity Book provides coloring pages and other activities related to the saints. With 96 reproducible pages, the book makes a great resource for teachers, catechists, and parents to use over and over again. Children can relive the stories and learn by participating in word searches that contain words from the stories, coloring pages that have pictures from the stories, and reflective material on the saints as role models. This is an excellent way to introduce the saints to children, helping them to understand virtue and desire to live a holy life.