Quick Facts
- Attended the seminary in Paris, but quit to care for his brothers and sisters upon the death of their parents.
- When they were grown, he returned to school.Canon of Rheims in 1667.
- Ordained in 1678.
- Doctor of theology in 1680.
- Spiritual director of the Sisters of the Holy Infant who were devoted to teaching poor girls.
- Founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers) in 1681, established and supported academic education for all boys.
- He liquidated his personal fortune, and his Brothers expected him to use it to further his education goals, but he surprised them by saying they would have to depend on Providence.
- The money (about $400,000) was given away to the poor in the form of bread during the great famine of 1683-1684.
- Saint John kept enough to endow a salary for himself similar to that which the Brothers received so he wouldn't be a burden on them.
- Instituted the process of dividing students into grades.
- Established the first teacher's school.
- Started high schools and trade schools.
- Proclaimed the patron of all teachers of all youth by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
