John Baptist de la Salle (1651–1719) was a priest from Reims, France, who gave up his wealth and canonry to educate poor children, founding the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He pioneered teacher training and classroom instruction in the students' own language rather than Latin, and died on Good Friday, April 7, 1719. He was canonized in 1900 and named patron of teachers of youth by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
He saw children whom the world overlooked and gave his whole life so they could learn, believing every child is worthy of care and dignity. His patience through opposition and setbacks shows how quiet, faithful service to the young can change generations.
Saint John Baptist de la Salle, teacher of the young and friend of the forgotten, pray for all children and for those who guide them, and help us serve the little ones with your patient, generous love. Amen.