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This week we will be exploring the theme:

Lasallians: Agents of Hope for the Future.

This year Founder’s Week is also an opportunity to reflect on our purpose, and where God is calling us. Each day we will reflect on our theme as we join with thousands of Lasallians across Ireland, Great Britain and Malta learning more about our Founder St John Baptist de La Salle and other Lasallians who are agents of hope.

We will also consider models of hope we have in our world and how we can be agents of hope for the future as we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope!

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Day 1

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Leader:

Loving and faithful God, as we gather at the start of Founder’s Week, we give thanks for the life and vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. You called him to bring the light of education, faith, and hope to young people, especially the poor and forgotten. Today, as members of the Lasallian Family, we continue his mission with hearts open to your grace.

In this Jubilee Year, a time of renewal and mercy, we ask for the strength to walk more closely with you. May we embrace this sacred time as a chance to reflect, to rejoice, and to recommit ourselves to serving others with love and generosity.

Amen

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A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

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St John Baptist de La Salle was born in 1651 in Reims, France, into a wealthy family. Though he trained to be a priest, he felt a deep calling to help the poor, particularly through education. At a time when many children had no access to schooling, De La Salle dedicated his life to founding schools that provided free, high-quality education. He gathered teachers, formed them into a community, and established the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. His innovative teaching methods, such as instructing students in their own language rather than Latin and using group learning, transformed education. Despite many challenges, including financial struggles and opposition from traditional educators, he remained committed to his mission, trusting in God's plan. Today, Lasallian schools around the world continue his work, educating over a million students. De La Salle was canonized as a saint in 1900 and is the Patron Saint of Teachers. His legacy reminds us that education is not just about knowledge but about shaping lives with faith, care, and hope

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Born in Reims, France, into a wealthy family.
Became a priest, but God called him to create schools—educating poor children.
Founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools to train teachers and provide free education.
Introduced innovative teaching methods, including teaching in the students’ own language (instead of Latin) and using group learning.
Faced many challenges, but trusted in God’s plan for his life.
Patron Saint of Teachers

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Born in Malta, he joined the De La Salle Brothers at a young age.

Devoted his life to teaching and leadership in Lasallian schools in Malta, the UK, and beyond.

Known for his joyful spirit, compassion, and dedication to students.

He helped many teachers and students understand the Lasallian mission.

A mentor to many, he encouraged others to live out their vocation with love and commitment.

Remembered for his kindness, faith, and service to education.

He is a Servant of God, one of the first steps to becoming a Saint.

Brother Louis Camilleri, FSC

Brother Louis Camilleri (1942–2021)- Servant of God

Brother Louis Camilleri was born in Malta in 1942 and dedicated his life to the Lasallian mission from a young age. As a De La Salle Brother, he served in schools across Malta, the United Kingdom, and beyond, always bringing joy and compassion to his teaching. Known for his deep faith and kindness, Brother Louis believed that education was about more than just academics—it was about forming young people to be compassionate, responsible, and faith-filled individuals. He played a key role in the Lasallian Family mentoring both teachers and students, and inspiring them to embrace their vocation with love and commitment. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on those he served. Brother Louis is remembered as a true Agent of Hope, a man who lived his vocation with enthusiasm and care, ensuring that the Lasallian mission continued to thrive in the lives of countless students and teachers.

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Each of us has a purpose, a vocation—a special way God invites us to serve others.

St John Baptist de La Salle thought he would be a priest, but he realised that God was calling him to something more—helping young people through education.

Brother Louis Camilleri, Servant of God, answered God's call by becoming a Lasallian Brother, dedicating his life to teaching and serving with joy.

Today, we are invited to ask: What gifts has God given me? How can I bring hope to others?

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Leader: Let us pray.

Jesus, You call each of us to a special purpose.�Help us to listen with open hearts, like St John Baptist de La Salle and Brother Louis Camilleri.�May we be lights of hope in our school and beyond, using our gifts to serve others.�Guide us as we discover the path You have prepared for us.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

All: Amen.

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Saint John Baptist de La Salle…

Pray for us!

Brother Louis Camilleri,

Servant of God….