In 1900, Pope Leo XIII oversaw the canonization of John Baptist de La Salle. This canonization, which occurred 126 years ago today, was welcomed by thousands who gathered in St. Peter’s square for the occasion. By the time of his canonization, Lasallian schools had opened around the world and many had developed a great admiration for the charism left behind by St. La Salle.
We can see a bit of that in this newspaper clipping from the Philadelphia Inquirer, which describes the scene of pilgrims gathering in Rome to attend the canonization ceremony. Unfortunately, if you pay close attention, you’ll notice the article describes two ill-fated incidents that occurred during the canonization festivities.
Records regarding Canonization of St. La Salle, Newspaper Clippings.
Santuario De La Salle
On this Solemnity of Pentecost, the Church is reminded again that holiness is never a closed chapter, it is always a living outpouring of the Holy Spirit across time.
Today marks 126 years since Pope Leo XIII canonized two luminous witnesses of faith: Pope Leo XIII proclaiming to the Church the sanctity of St. John Baptist de La Salle and St. Rita of Cascia during the Holy Year of 1900 at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Canonization is more than recognition, it is the Church’s affirmation that the Spirit who descended at Pentecost continues to shape educators, intercessors, and saints for every age. What was once a moment in history becomes a continuing invitation: to let the same fire of the Spirit form our lives into witness, service, and love.
St. Rita of Cascia, pray for us!
St. John Baptist De La Salle, Patron of Teachers, pray for us!
La Salle Australia
On this day, 24th May, in the year 1900, a remarkable event occurred in history—the canonisation of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. As we commemorate this sacred occasion, let us reflect on the profound impact of his life and the miracles attributed to him.
We are reminded of the miracles accepted for the beatification and canonisation of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Among these miracles, we encounter tales of profound faith, resilience and divine intervention.
One such miracle revolves around the story of Vittoria Ferry, a young nurse brutally assaulted in 1832.
Expected to succumb to her injuries, Vittoria miraculously survived but was plagued by unbearable suffering until she found solace and healing through the intercession of John Baptist de La Salle.
Brother Adelminiamo, struck with progressive multiple sclerosis in 1866, also found hope in the prayers to De La Salle. Despite medical prognosis, his unwavering faith led to a miraculous cure, defying all odds.
The narrative continues with the miraculous healing of Stefano de Suzanne, an eleven-year-old boy afflicted with a grave illness. Through fervent prayers and unwavering belief, Stefano experienced a miraculous recovery, affirming the power of faith and the intercession of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.
These miracles, deemed beyond medical explanation, paved the path to beatification and, ultimately, canonisation. The solemn proclamation of Saint John Baptist de La Salle as a saint by Pope Leo XIII on 24th May 1900, serves as a testament to his enduring legacy of compassion, faith and miraculous intervention.
As we honour this momentous occasion, let us draw inspiration from the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, embracing the values of faith, service and compassion in our own lives. May his example continue to guide and inspire us as we journey forward in faith.
