De La Salle Brothers

The De La Salle Brothers

The De La Salle Brothers, officially known as the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (FSC), are a Catholic lay religious congregation for men founded in France in 1679 by Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. The institute is dedicated to providing a human and Christian education, with a particular focus on the poor. As of December 2023, the Brothers operate 1,154 education centers in 78 countries, serving over 1.1 million students and supported by a large number of teachers and lay associates.

History and Mission

Jean-Baptiste de La Salle's encounter with teacher Adrian Nyel in 1679 marked the genesis of the order, which aimed to establish free schools for impoverished boys in Reims. By 1694, a novitiate and normal school were established in Paris, and the Brothers collectively took vows that emphasized community interaction. The institute received papal recognition in 1725, six years after La Salle's death, and was officially titled the "Brothers of the Christian Schools." La Salle himself was canonized in 1900 and later declared the Special Patron of All Teachers of Youth by Pope Pius XII. Despite being dissolved during the French Revolution in 1790, the order was re-established by Napoleon I in 1804 and has since expanded its educational network globally.

Global Reach and Activities

The De La Salle Brothers maintain a significant global presence, with their operations divided into five regions: North America, Asia/Oceania, Europe/Mediterranean, Africa, and Latin America. Their primary activity remains education, though they have also engaged in other initiatives. These include the establishment of Christian Brothers Investment Services (CBIS) in 1981, a socially responsible investing service for Catholic organizations, and historically, the operation of a winery in California, with proceeds supporting their educational programs.

Controversies and Apologies

In recent decades, the De La Salle Brothers have faced significant controversy due to admitted allegations of long-standing physical and sexual abuse within some of their institutions. Investigations in various countries, including Northern Ireland, Australia, and the United States, have documented numerous cases of abuse. The order has issued apologies for these incidents and has paid substantial compensation to victims. Despite these challenges, the institute continues its educational mission, although there has been a noted decline in the number of Brothers in recent years, offset by an increase in students in their schools.