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Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the First Brothers; Lasallian Presence in the World; Founding Principles
"Deeply moved by the neglected state of 'the children of the artisans and the poor,' and as a result of their contemplation of God's saving plan, John Baptist de La Salle and the first Brothers joined together to conduct gratuitous Christian schools"5 and thus to cooperate in alleviating the needs of the poor.
The educational actions of these first Lasallians promoted in their students the recognition of their dignity as men and children of God, their preparation for life and the transformation of the school of the 17th century6 .
2. LASALLIAN PRESENCE IN THE WORLD.
Today, the Lasallian network extends to all continents of the world and to all educational levels, expanding its ministry to all kinds of educational establishments in the service of the most vulnerable: street children, single mothers, literacy centers, training for women, migrants and drug-dependent people, rural training centers for the mentally ill, marginalized ethnic minorities and the disabled, among others.
This ministry is shared by men and women of different faiths, different vocations and different social contexts who make up educational communities in which the Gospel message is promoted, and where social transformation and the defense of the rights of children and young people and the fight against poverty are undertaken7 .
3. FOUNDING INSPIRATIONS.
John Baptist de La Salle was concerned with forming good citizens and good Christians, and so all those who are linked to Lasallian work strive to live the spirit of faith, and they associate with one another and are passionate about education. These characteristics are experienced in union with others and they influence mutual growth.
Faced with the educational practices of his time, John Baptist de La Salle discovered that education was not based on the exercise of imposed authority but on benevolence, respect and fraternal relationships. So he used the expression to "touch hearts." This educational spirit is joined by other virtues and practices such as patience, prudence and accompaniment. Teachers are expected to have self-control and a rich inner life, and to be committed to their students8 .
At the beginning of the Lasallian work, best practices were shared, which resulted in quality teaching. Today, we Lasallians are challenged to continue this practice and to include reflection, educational research, and networking to provide a successful response to the needs of learners.
The Identity Criteria for the vitality of Lasallian educational ministries (or simply Identity Criteria) are principles that make it possible to distinguish the characteristics of Lasallian education as well as the way of living them out. These criteria are organized by categories that respond to the purposes and the ways of carrying out education.
With the desire to help Lasallian educational ministries become more aware of their membership in the Network of Lasallian educational ministries, the Identity Criteria that seek to guarantee fidelity to the founding charism are set out below. In addition, they ensure the vitality of the corporate commitment on the part of Lasallians so that "the school runs well" (cf. Proposition 13).
