"Your Altar is the Classroom": Pope Leo XIV's Message to educationists De La Salle Brothers

VATICAN CITY, May 15, 2025: Recalling the saying of their founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, "Your altar is the classroom," Pope Leo XIV commended the educational efforts of members of the De La Salle Brothers during a meeting with them at the Vatican on Thursday. The pope expressed deep admiration for their dedication to providing a human and Christian education to youth, especially the poor. He also encouraged them to foster vocations to Lasallian religious life while promoting “joyful and fruitful paths of holiness” among the youth they serve.

The Holy Father praised the Brothers’ unwavering commitment to education, highlighting their mission as a beacon of hope amid modern challenges. “It is wonderful to see how your presence continues to carry the freshness of a rich and far-reaching educational reality,” he said, noting their global impact in forming young people with enthusiasm, fidelity, and sacrifice.

Pope Leo XIV reflected on two key aspects of the Brothers’ mission: their “attention to the present moment” and the “ministerial and missionary dimension of teaching within the community”. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by youth today—such as isolation caused by superficial relationships, emotional instability, individualism, relativism, a lack of time for reflection and loneliness.

Drawing inspiration from their founder, the Pope emphasized St. John Baptist de La Salle’s ability to turn challenges into divine opportunities. The Saint responded creatively to adversity, pioneering new educational methods. “When problems arose, he let them spur him to seek creative responses and forge ahead on new and often unexplored paths,” the Pope said.

The Holy Father encouraged the Brothers to follow this example by using new approaches and tools to reach students’ hearts, helping them face life’s obstacles with courage. He also commended the congregation’s focus on teacher formation and building strong educational communities.

Pope Leo XIV further highlighted the unique character of Lasallian teaching as a “ministry and mission” and a form of consecration within the Church. He praised St. John Baptist de La Salle’s groundbreaking vision of lay teachers and catechists as having a genuine ministry within the community, based on the idea of evangelising through education and educating through evangelisation. He also emphasised that the Lasallian fourth vow of teaching embodies the priestly, prophetic, and royal mission received at Baptism, a truth affirmed by the teachings of Vatican II.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his address by thanking the Brothers for all they do and imparted his Apostolic Blessing to the entire Lasallian family.

Courtesy: Vatican News