Schools
On Friday 12 May 2006, the Pupils of St Patrick’s BNS & St. Gerald’s College got together to celebrate the feast of St. John Baptist de la Salle,(1651–1719) , French educator & founder of the De la Salle Brothers (1681). The mass was celebrated by Canon Curran and Fr. Cunnane and was attended by approximately 800 pupils and teachers from both schools. The readings and prayers were read by the students. The music, led by Mrs. Orla Uí Dhomhnaill (St. Pat’s) and Ms. Jennifer Hiney (St. Gerald’s) was also performed by the students of both schools.
Jean-Baptiste de la Salle Jean-Baptiste de la Salle (John Baptist de La Salle) was a French teacher and educational reformer who spent his life teaching the children of the poor.
In 1684 he founded a new order the De La Salle Christian Brothers.
He was a careful pedagogical thinker and ranks as one of the distinguished educators of modern times. In 1685 he founded what is generally considered the first teacher training school.
In 1900 John Baptist de La Salle was declared a Saint. His feast day is celebrated onMay 15. In 1950, because of his life and inspirational writings, he was made Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education.
De la Salle Brothers in Castlebar
The De la Salle Brothers first came to Castlebar in 1888, having responded to an invite by the then PP Canon Patrick to come and educate the children of the town. In 1988, the town celebrated the Centenary of the de La Salle Brothers arrival to Castlebar.
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| Students of St. Gerald's & St. Patrick's BNS celebrating the feast of Jean- Baptiste De la Salle on Friday last. |
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| Students of St. Gerald's & St. Patrick's BNS celebrating the feast of Jean- Baptiste De la Salle on Friday last. |
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| The statue of St Jean- Baptiste De la Salle on the altar. |
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| Music for the mass was performed by Ms Hiney, Mrs Uí Dhomhnaill & the students. |
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| Some young musicians. |
© Copyright 2006 by the author(s)/photographer(s) and www.castlebar.ie
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