Pope Leo XIV by Catholic Church England and Wales / Flickr
VATICAN CITY // During a May 15 audience, Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt address to the Brothers of the Christian Schools, commending their long-standing dedication to education and urging them to continue their mission with renewed faith and zeal.
In his remarks, Pope Leo highlighted the enduring legacy of the Brothers, stating, “You are heirs to a great tradition of education rooted in the Gospel, a tradition that has transformed countless lives across the world.”
He emphasized the importance of their work, reminding them, “Continue to be witnesses of hope and builders of peace, especially among the young and the most vulnerable.”
The pontiff also encouraged the Brothers to persevere in their educational mission, saying, “Do not be afraid to innovate, to open new paths for the good of the young, always guided by the light of Christ.”
Pope Leo acknowledged the challenges faced by educators today, noting, “In a rapidly changing world, your presence is a sign of God’s fidelity to humanity. Remain steadfast in your commitment to forming hearts and minds.”
He concluded his address with a blessing: “May the Lord sustain you in your vocation, and may Mary, Mother of the Church, accompany you always.”
The Brothers of the Christian Schools
The Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the De La Salle Brothers, is a Catholic lay religious congregation founded in France in 1680 by Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers.
The order is dedicated exclusively to the ministry of education, particularly for young people and the poor. Today, they and their collaborators operate more than 1,000 educational institutions in over 80 countries, serving more than one million students worldwide.
The first members of the order arrived in North America in the early 1800s and established the first permanent Lasallian school in Montreal, Canada, in 1837. In 1842, John McMullin became the first American Brother. He founded Calvert Hall in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1845, which became the first permanent Lasallian school in the United States and continues to be administered by the Brothers today as Calvert Hall College High School.
The order is organized in five provinces in North America, one in Canada and four in the United States
Their mission centers on providing a human and Christian education, fostering personal relationships, and promoting academic excellence, especially among the disadvantaged.
