St. John Baptist de la Salle belonged to a great family at Rheims. He became a priest and canon of the diocese of Paris, but renounced his canonry to devote himself to educating poor children. He founded a new religious Congregation, the Brothers of the Christian Schools, which soon spread throughout the world. The Brothers have inherited his spirit and carry on his work, consecrating themselves to the Christian education of children and youths. St. John Baptist de la Salle died at Rouen on Good Friday, April 7, 1719. He was canonized by Leo XIII.  Pius XII has named him the patron of all who undertake the education of the young.