Vocations
Called to Serve in the Lasallian Mission
The Brothers of the Christian Schools is a Roman Catholic religious teaching congregation, founded in France by Saint John Baptist de La Salle— a priest who saw the need for a group of lay men who would dedicate their lives to the ministry of Christian education, especially for the poor. They are more commonly known as the "De La Salle Brothers".
The Lasallian vocation is a call to serve God through the education of the young, especially the poor. Following in the footsteps of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the Brothers of the Christian Schools and Lasallian Partners dedicate their lives to touching hearts and transforming lives through quality human and Christian education.
Brothers of the Christian Schools (FSC)
The De La Salle Brothers are Catholic religious men who are not priests. They dedicate their lives to God through vows of association for the educational service of the poor, stability in the Institute, and obedience. Their mission is to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor.
Brothers live in community and work together in schools, universities, and other educational ministries around the world. They are educators, administrators, counselors, and mentors who accompany young people in their journey of faith and learning.
Characteristics of a Brother:
- Committed to lifelong learning and personal growth
- Passionate about education and the welfare of young people
- Living in community with other Brothers
- Dedicated to prayer and spiritual development
- Serving the poor and marginalized
Lasallian Presence in the Philippines
Archbishop Jeremiah James Harty, the first American Archbishop of Manila. He was once a student of the Christian Brothers in St. Louis, Missouri.
The arrival of the Brothers in the Philippines was put into motion by one man, Archbishop Jeremiah James Harty, the first American Archbishop of Manila. He was once a student of the Christian Brothers in St. Louis, Missouri. He arrived in Manila during a time where strong anti-friar sentiments, mainly due to the aftermath of the Philippine Revolution, were causing the established Catholic institutions to lose ground to their secular counterparts. Archbishop Harty maintained a passionate belief in Christian education. It was his ardent desire to establish a school that would provide young boys with a solid Catholic Education and, at the same time, teach them the English Language.
The American Archbishop had a great admiration for the type of education that the Brothers of the Christian Schools offered. In 1904, he requested Br. Clementian, then Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, to open a school in the Philippines, but his initial request was rejected. However, Archbishop Harty persisted with his requests and eventually received a Papal mandate in 1907 for the Brothers to formally open a school in Manila.
The First Brothers Community.
On the 10th of March 1911, the three Founding Brothers arrived in Manila via Europe. Brs. Blimond Pierre (Eilenbecker), Aloysius Gonzaga (McGiverin) and Augusto Correge became guests of Archbishop Harty. In two months time, on 13 May, the six remaining Brothers of the Founding Community arrived in Manila. They were Br. Ptolomee Louis (Duffaux), Br. Goslin Camillus (Henri), Br. D. Joseph, Br. Celba John (Lynam), Br. Imar William (Reale), and Br. Martin.
De La Salle College officially opened its doors to 125 youngsters on 16 June 1911 in a 13,000-square meter property on Nozaleda Street in Paco, Manila. By 10 July, the total number to students reached 175. Forty were boarding students, while those who took a mid-day meal on campus were termed half-boarders. Br. Blimond, a native of France, became the first head of the college.
Today, there are now 50 professed Filipino Brothers. These men continue the legacy set forth by the Founding Brothers and the mission of the Founder 300 years ago.
Lasallian Partners and Lay Educators
Lasallian Partners are lay men and women, married or single, who share in the Lasallian mission. They work alongside the Brothers in schools and educational institutions, bringing the Lasallian charism to life in their teaching, administration, and service.
As partners in mission, they embrace the Lasallian core values and commit themselves to the educational service of the young. They participate in formation programs, prayer, and community activities that deepen their understanding and living of the Lasallian spirit.
Discerning Your Vocation
If you feel called to serve in the Lasallian mission, whether as a Brother or as a Lasallian Partner, we encourage you to:
- Pray and reflect on God's call in your life
- Learn more about the Lasallian charism and mission
- Speak with Brothers and Lasallian educators about their experiences
- Participate in Lasallian formation programs and retreats
- Visit Lasallian communities and ministries
- Seek spiritual direction and guidance
Learn More
For more information about vocations to the Brothers of the Christian Schools or becoming a Lasallian Partner, please contact:
Lasallian Vocation Ministry
La Salle University - Ozamiz
Email: vocation@lsu.edu.ph
Phone: (088) 531-1396
"The work of the Brothers is to proclaim the Gospel and to make Jesus Christ known and loved, especially among the poor." - St. John Baptist de La Salle
Reshaping Futures
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La Salle St. Barangay Aguada, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines
