1
100 very short quotes of St
John Baptist De La Salle
In 2003 a collection was printed of quotations of
St John Baptist De La Salle for each day of the
year: ‘Walking with John Baptist De La Salle in
the Footsteps of Jesus’. Over a third of the
quotes were date-specific, and that text has since
been adapted for local use and published in the
USA and in the PARC Region (Australasia and
the Far East), as well as forming a part of the
Lasallian Resources CD-ROM produced in the
Philippines.
This new compilation is a selection of shortened
quotations from that previous text, and is
intended primarily (but not exclusively) for use by
schools. The 100 brief quotable lines from our
Saint’s writings are gathered thematically. Use of
this resource could be a practical means of
enabling staff, students and parents gain greater
access to the inspiration of John Baptist De La
Salle, perhaps helping make more overt certain
Lasallian characteristics of the school. Among
these accessible phrases can be found:
words that can be quoted or incorporated into
a school’s documentation;
appropriate phrases for use in PowerPoint
presentations;
memorable quotes in preparing for Founder’s
Day;
a selection of phrases which could appear
one at a time in regular printed staff bulletins
and parental newsletters, possibly as a
‘pause for thought’;
a quote-a-day/week for display on a desk or
wall (a separate file can be emailed to you as
an attachment, laying out the 100 quotes in
large type, as detailed at the end of this
introduction);
texts that can be superimposed on
photographs taken in school that portray
encounters and relationships, which are then
printed and laminated/framed as A3 posters.
This could be a challenging project for
students to undertake themselves, and
posters can easily be transformed
electronically into cards and bookmarks.
Included in this collection are poignant phrases
such as “touching hearts” (46,59,96-98), “the
children of a king” (95), “know your students
individually” (91), “show cheerfulness in your
face” (79-80), “inspire and lead others by
encouraging them” (81),“being on friendly terms
with others” (71-81), “the friendship of Jesus”,
(29), “God carrying us when the road is rough”
(68), “the miracles of God’s providence” (53),
“seeing things quite differently” (54), “God has
chosen you to make him known” (15-18), “thank
God for his many blessings” (34-35), and “take
pride in your ministry” (27).
Even amidst the brevity of these quotes from 300
years ago, we can perceive that much is
conveyed in John’s occasional use of the term
“disciples” (23,44-47) in addition to
“pupils/students”, of “guiding” (22,42) as well as
“teaching”, and of “correction” (87) rather than
“punishment”.
The number of each quote has a suffix: ‘T’ being
those passages applicable only to teachers and
colleagues, whilst ‘A’ designates those that can
refer to All: to students and educators alike.
If you are reading a printed text, an electronic
copy of these 100 quotes is available (File A).
File B is of 13 pages holding large-print text of
the 100 quotes, laid out in such a way that when
printed on standard A4 paper the pages can be
cut into eight equal rectangles, each also bearing
the signature of JBDLS. With that file are given
details of the kind of business card holder that
can be used to display on a desk the 100 stacked
cards, ready to be changed each day.
File W is a set of 14 files of the original text of
‘Walking with JBDLS in the Footsteps of Jesus’ :
a quote from JBDLS for each day of the year,
Any or all of these files (do specify which) are
available with compliments as email attachments
from
Nicholas@prayingeachday.org
Brother Nick Hutchinson, FSC - August 2006
2
IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
1-A
“Wherever I go
I will find you, my God.”
(Explanation of the Method of Interior Prayer:
example of an act of faith)
2-A
“Often remind yourself
that God is with you.”
(Letter 87 - to an unnamed Brother, date unknown)
3-A
“Often remind yourself
that you are in the presence of God.”
(Letter 3 - to Brother Denis in Rethel, 30 May 1701)
4-A
“Learn from Jesus
by often being in his company.”
(Med 78.2 - Feast of St Andrew, Apostle)
5-A
“It is in the company of Jesus
that you work for the glory of God.”
(Med 78.2 - Feast of St Andrew, Apostle)
6-A
“Remembering that God is with you
will help and inspire you
in all that you do.”
(Letter 2 - to a Brother, 15 May 1701. This letter is the
earliest extant letter of the Founder written to a Brother,
and the original is preserved in the Provincialate, Oxford)
CALLING
7-A
“How long has Jesus
been knocking
at the door of your heart,
waiting to enter?”
(Med 85.1 - Vigil of the Nativity)
8-A
“Prepare a path for God
so that he can enter your heart.”
(Med 2.1)
9-A
“God inspires us
to walk in the footsteps of his Son.”
(Med 3.3)
10-A
“Walk along God’s path.”
(Med 75.3)
11-A
“Follow the inspirations
that come to you from God.”
(Letter 86 - to an unnamed Brother, date unknown)
12-A
“May God continue
what he has begun in you.”
(Letter 46 - to Brother Robert in Darnetal,
just outside Rouen, 1709)
13-A
“You have received
talents and graces
from God.”
(MTR 13.1 [Med 205.1])
14-A
“God has given you
so many graces.”
(Med 51.2)
15-A
“God has chosen you
to do his work.”
(MTR 4.1 [Med 196.1])
3
16-A
“God has chosen you
to make him known to others.”
(Med 146.2 - on St Anne,
mother of the Most Blessed Virgin)
17-A
“You are called like the apostles
to make God known to others.”
(Med 78.2 - Feast of St Andrew, apostle)
18-T
“God has called you to your ministry.”
(MTR 14.1 [Med 206.1])
19-T
“God entrusts to you
his care of the young.”
(Med 37.3))
20-T
“Young people
need good teachers,
like visible angels.”
(MTR 5.1 [Med 197.1])
21-T
“To be entrusted
with the teaching of the young
is a great gift and grace of God.”
(MTR 9.1 [Med 201.1])
22-T
“Young people need
the light of watchful guides
to lead them
on the path of salvation.”
(MTR 5.3 [Med 197.3])
23-T
“Have you been helping your disciples
practice the good
that is appropriate to their age?”
(Med 51.2)
24-T
“Do your part
to help build up
the kingdom of God
in the hearts of your students.”
(Med 67.1)
25-T
“This work of teaching
is one of the most important
in the Church.”
(MTR 7.1 [Med 199.1])
26-T
“Fulfil your ministry
with all the affection of your heart.”
(MTR 9.1 [Med 201.1])
27-T
“Take pride in your ministry.”
(MTR 7.3 [Med 199.3])
28-T
“Take care that your school runs well.”
(Letter 42 - to Brother Robert in Darnetal,
26 February 1709)
PRAYING
29-T
“As teachers,
you need to be honoured
with the friendship of Jesus.”
(Med 88.1 - feast of St John the evangelist)
30-A
“Show the great love
you have for Jesus
by being eager
to talk with him in prayer.”
(Med 144.3 - on St Mary Magdalen)
4
31-A
“Say to Jesus as the apostles did:
‘Lord, teach us to pray’.“
(Letter 111 - to a member of a religious community
of women, date unknown)
32-A
“Each day
renew your offering to God.”
(Letter 32 - to Brother Gabriel Drolin in Rome:
from St Yon [in a suburb of Rouen], 5 December 1716)
33-T
“Thank God
for the grace he has given you
in your work.”
(MTR 7.3 [Med 199.3])
34-A
“Do not forget to thank God
for his many blessings.”
(Letter 76 - to a Brother Director, date unknown)
35-A
“I have received, my God,
so many blessings from you.”
(Explanation of the Method of Interior Prayer
- example of an act of thanksgiving)
36-A
“I shall pray to God for you,
and will have many others
pray for you and your needs.”
(Letter 23 - to Brother Gabriel Drolin in Rome:
from Paris, 12 May 1706)
37-A
“I will often pray to God for you.”
(Letter 58 - to Brother Mathias in Mende:
from Paris, 13 January 1708)
38-A
“I do not fail to pray for you
and for the success of your work.”
(Letter 28 - to Bro Gabriel Drolin in Rome: 12 May 1710)
39-A
“Let us pray
before starting
whatever we need to do.”
(Med 107.1 - for the feast of St Matthias, apostle)
40-A
“The more you devote yourself in prayer
the more you will do well in your work.”
(Med 95.1 - Feast of St Genevieve)
41-A
“Prayer
draws down God’s graces
on others.”
(Letter 5 - to Brother Denis in Darnetal,
5km from Rouen city centre, 1 August 1708)
42-T
“Lift up your hands to heaven
to draw down God’s blessings
on those you are guiding.”
(Med 189.1 - feast of St Martin)
43-T
“You must pray not only for yourself
but also for those
whom you are guiding.”
(Med 187.2 - feast of St Charles Borromeo)
44-T
“Bring to Jesus in prayer
the needs of your disciples.”
(MTR 4.1 [Med 196.1])
45-T
“It is important
that you teach your disciples
to pray.”
(MTR 10.2 [Med 202.2])
46-A
“Often ask God
for the grace to touch hearts.”
(Med 81.2 - feast of St Ambrose of Milan)
5
47-T
“When you encounter some difficulty
in the guidance of your disciples,
turn to God with confidence.”
(MTR 4.1 [Med 196.1])
EXAMPLE
48-A
“Example makes
a much greater impression
than words.”
(MTR 10.3 [Med 202.3])
49-T
“Preach by example,
and practice
before the eyes of the young
what you wish them to accept.”
(Med 99.2 - on the life of St John Chrysostom)
50-T
“The young should be able
to see in your wisdom
how they should behave.”
(Med 132.1 - on St Norbert)
51-T
“The way you behave
should be a model
for those you teach.”
(Med 132.1 - on St Norbert)
52-T
“Your faith should be a shining light
for those whom you teach.”
(Med 178.1 - feast of St Luke, evangelist)
BEING FAITHFUL
53-A
“The miracles of God’s Providence
take place every day.”
(Part of the Founder’s address to the first teachers
about Providence, as quoted in Blain)
54-A
“In the light of faith
you see things
quite differently.”
(Letter 118 - to a laywoman, date unknown)
55-A
“Live by the spirit of faith.”
(Letter 111 - to a member of a religious community
of women, date unknown)
56-A
“Let your chief study
be the Bible,
that it may be
the guiding rule of your life.”
(Med 170.1 - for the feast of St Jerome)
57-A
“Let it be your chief study
to put the Gospel into practice.”
(Med 171.3 - for the feast of St Remigius,
Patron of Rheims)
58-A
“Let the way you live
be that of the Gospel.”
(Med 84.3 - feast of St Thomas, apostle)
59-A
“God’s word is powerful
in touching hearts.”
(Med 180.2 - feast of St Hilarion)
60-A
“Receive Jesus today
with respect and thanksgiving.”
(Med 114.2 - on St Leo)
61-A
“Earnestly ask Jesus
that his Spirit
may be alive in you.”
(MTR 4.1 [Med 196.1])
6
62-A
“Think of what a blessing it is
that the Holy Spirit lives in you.”
(Med 62.2)
63-A
“You can do more
with the grace of God
than you think.”
(Collection of Various Short Treatises:
Reflections - the use of time)
64-A
“Don’t be discouraged
by anxieties and troubles.
Life is full of them.”
(Letter 102 - to an unnamed Brother, date unknown)
65-A
“Do not be disheartened
by the difficulties you experience.”
(Letter 90 - to an unnamed Brother, date unknown)
66-A
“Do not have any anxiety
about the future.
Leave everything in God’s hands
for he will take care of you.”
(Letter 101 - to an unnamed Brother, date unknown)
67-A
“God is more ready than ever
to welcome you into his arms.”
(Letter 108 - to a member of a religious community
of women, date unknown)
68-A
“Throw yourself into God’s arms.
He will carry you when the road is rough.”
(Palm Sunday)
69-A
“God’s compassion for you
is greater than the troubles you have.”
(Med 38.1)
70-A
“Leave the result in God’s hands.”
(Letter 11 - to Brother Hubert [probably at Chartres]:
20 July 1709)
RELATING
71-A
“It is impossible to please God
if you do not live
on friendly terms with others.”
(Letter 47 - to Brother Robert in Darnetal, 1709)
72-A
“God of love,
set me aflame
with love for you
and for my neighbour.”
(Explanation of the Method of Interior Prayer
- example of considering Jesus Christ
in the form of the Blessed Sacrament)
73-A
“Put up with the faults of others
and be generous towards them.”
(Letter 105 - to a member of a religious community
of men, date unknown)
74-A
“Be warm-hearted to everyone,
speaking to others
in a gentle and respectful way.”
(Letter 105 - to a member of a religious community
of men, date unknown)
75-A
“Never speak to anyone
except with kindness.”
(Med 65.2)
76-A
“Always address people by their names
and with great respect.”
(Rule, Chapter 8)
7
77-A
“Have great respect
for each person you are with.”
(Part 1, Chapter 2 of
‘The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility’)
78-A
“I always have for you
the highest esteem and regard.”
(Letter 122 - to a layman)
79-A
“Your face should be happy,
showing gentleness and respect.”
(Part 1, Chapter 4 of
‘The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility’)
80-A
“Always show cheerfulness
in your face.”
(Collection of Various Short Treatises:
Virtues - Modesty)
81-A
“Inspire and lead others
by encouraging them.”
(MTR 1:2 [Med 193.2])
82-T
“Look upon those
whom God has entrusted to you
as his own children.”
(Med 133.2 - on St Margaret, Queen of Scotland)
83-T
“Your students
are living images of Jesus.”
(Med 80.3 - feast of St Nicholas)
84-T
“Are you ready
to give your very life,
so dear to you
are the young people
entrusted to you?”
(MTR 6.2 [Med 198.2])
85-T
“Enkindle the love of Jesus
in the hearts of the young.”
(Med 102.2 - on St Ignatius, martyr)
86-T
“To deal with young people very harshly
is to forego all hope
of bringing about any good.”
(Med 114.2 - on St Leo)
87-T
“How to correct others
depends on knowledge
and discernment
of character.”
(Med 33.1)
88-T
“Some students require great mildness,
while others need to be directed with firmness.”
(Med 33.1)
89-T
“Take care not to let yourself
be carried away
by impatience in class.”
(Letter 60 - to Brother Mathias in Mende:
from Paris, 23 March 1708)
90-A
“(First-time teachers)
should enter the classroom
with a deliberate and grave air,
head held high
and looking at all the students
in a bold manner,
as if they had thirty years’ experience.”
(The Conduct of Schools)
8
TOUCHING HEARTS
91-T
”Know your students individually
and be able
to understand them.”
(Med 33.1)
92-T
“Show much kindness and love
for the young people you teach.”
(Med 134.2 - on St Barnabas)
93-T
“Have much care and affection
for the young people entrusted to you.”
(Med 110.3 - feast of St Joseph)
94-T
“By the care you take of your students
show that you have a real love for them.”
(Med 80.3 - feast of St Nicholas)
95-T
“Take even more care of the education
of the young people entrusted to you
than if they were the children of a king.”
(Med 133.2 - on St Margaret, Queen of Scotland)
96-T
“You can perform miracles
by touching the hearts
of those entrusted to your care.”
(Med 180.3 - feast of St Hilarion)
97-T
“To touch the hearts of your students
is the greatest miracle you can perform.”
(Med 139.3 - feast of St Peter)
98-T
“God expects you
to touch hearts.”
(Med 139.3 - feast of St Peter)
99-T
“The more loving you are to the young,
the greater will be the effects of God’s grace.”
(Med 134.2 - on St Barnabas)
100-T
“Do you build on the affection
that the young people have for you
to lead them to God?”
(Med 101.3 - on the life of St Francis de Sales)
