2a1 2 lessons

What is the longest of De La Salle’s writings?

The writings composed at Vaugirard and published in Paris, focusing on Sacraments, Prayers, Catechism, and Spiritual Hymns.

How many letters of De La Salle are preserved in the archives?

Over a hundred letters, 46 of which are autographed.

What was the purpose of De La Salle’s letters?

They were mainly intended for the spiritual and pedagogical direction of the Brothers.

What is the pedagogical treatise written by De La Salle?

It is a guide on the Brothers’ educational activities, containing the essential features of the Founder’s teaching methods.

What topics did De La Salle write about in his document on mental prayer?

Mental Prayer, obedience, Spirit of the Institute, interior life, daily actions, virtues, and reflections during retreats.

What are the three divisions of De La Salle’s method of mental prayer?

1. Disposition of the soul (recollection), 2. Application to the subject, 3. Thanksgiving.

What is the main focus of the 16 meditations in De La Salle’s writings?

They are exhortations to the apostolate, defining the Brothers’ mission.

What is the “Practice of the Daily Regulation”?

A document edited in 1695 outlining the customs and organization of the Institute.

What two books make up the Rules of the Institute?

The Common Rule and The Rule of Government.

What were De La Salle’s writings mainly about?

Spiritual formation, education, and guidance for the Brothers’ mission.

Who was King of France during De La Salle’s time?

King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King.

What period was known as France’s Golden Age?

The reign of King Louis XIV (1661–1715).

How were children of the poor described in De La Salle’s time?

They were left to roam the streets, exposed to vice, crime, and immorality.

At what age did working-class boys start working?

At the age of 7.

How many abandoned babies were recorded in 1772?

7,676 abandoned babies (about 21–22 per night).

What were common problems among poor children in De La Salle’s time?

Poverty, ignorance, parental neglect, lack of education, and moral corruption.

What were the conditions of early schools before De La Salle’s reforms?

Poorly trained teachers, humiliating discipline, Latin instruction, overcrowded classes, and high dropout rates.

What was De La Salle’s response to these conditions?

He devoted himself to forming dedicated Christian schoolmasters.

What was De La Salle’s main mission?

To form a brotherhood devoted to schools for the liberation and salvation of abandoned children.

What were the key values of Lasallian teachers?

Teaching for love of God, competence, zeal, gospel witness, and prioritizing students’ welfare.

What is the foundation of Lasallian spirituality?

It is relational, faithful to God, and focused on young people.

What two contrasting realities shaped De La Salle’s spirituality?

God’s goodness and the situation of poor and abandoned children.

What is De La Salle’s understanding of excellence?

Excellence is not purely academic but rooted in virtue and character (areté).

What does “areté” mean?

Areté (Greek ἀρετή) means excellence or virtue—the fulfillment of one’s purpose or potential.

What is human excellence?

The perfection of our powers of knowing, willing, choosing, and loving, rooted in character.

What is freedom according to Lasallian education?

The ability to know what is best and pursue it; a power for the good.

What is character?

The stable pattern of attitudes and motivations that shape one’s actions and decisions.

Why is character important?

Character bridges knowing and doing; it determines destiny and happiness.

What does “character is destiny” mean?

Our character determines the course and fulfillment of our lives.

What are comments about why character counts?

1. Knowing and doing right are different; 2. Character bridges them; 3. A nation of cowards cannot have peace.

What are Lasallian beliefs about students?

They are loved, gifted, called to serve God’s love and justice, and responsible for society.

What are the comments related to Lasallian beliefs about students?

They must love themselves, use gifts for the common good, and care for the excluded (Matthew 25).

What is the main goal of Lasallian schools?

To become virtuous communities focused on moral education and character formation.

What questions should Lasallian schools ask to become virtuous communities?

1. What is our school’s character? 2. What virtues do we need? 3. What practices must we change or strengthen?

What is true excellence according to Lasallian education?

Excellence in humanness and virtue, not just academics.

What are common social problems De La Salle responded to?

Cruelty toward children, neglect by parents, bad peer influence, poor access to education, and alienation from the Church.

What is the Lasallian pedagogy known for?

A “pedagogy of touching hearts” through love, kindness, and care.

What does “teachers acting in loco parentis” mean?

Teachers act in place of parents from morning to evening.

What were Lasallian teachers committed to?

Love, moral formation, and character development.

What is the final goal of Lasallian education?

Excellence in humanness and virtue leading to salvation.