La Salle Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea

On this day, we commemorate the passing of Blessed Nicolas Barré, a spiritual master and visionary whose impact continues to be felt today.

Born in Amiens, France in 1621, his dedication to education and formation of youth laid the groundwork for the De La Salle Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools) and the Infant Jesus Sisters. Notably, he also served as the spiritual director of St. John Baptist de La Salle.

His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the institutions he inspired.

Let us remember his teachings of humility, charity and evangelical penance as we continue the important work of nurturing the growth of each individual in their faith journey.

On this day in history, we commemorate the death of Adrien Nyel, a remarkable figure who played a crucial role in the education of the poor in France. Born around 1621, Nyel, a lawyer by profession, was appointed to oversee the Hospice for the Poor in Rouen in 1656, where he dedicated himself to instructing children in reading, writing, and catechism.

Under Nyel's guidance, several schools for poor boys were established in Rouen, marking a significant step towards providing free education to those in need. His innovative approach and dedication to the cause of education paved the way for a brighter future for many.

Despite the sometimes modest recognition he received during his lifetime, Adrien Nyel's impact on the educational landscape was profound. His work continues to inspire and guide us in our mission to uphold his legacy and ensure that all individuals have access to quality education.

Today, we remember Adrien Nyel with gratitude and respect, honouring his memory as a pioneer in the field of education for the less fortunate. May his passion for learning and compassion for the marginalised always serve as guiding lights in our efforts to promote inclusive and accessible education for all.

Today, we remember with affection and admiration Brother Tony Gaul, who passed away on 30 May 2020.

Brother Tony’s legacy spans four countries and generations of students, colleagues, and fellow Brothers. A devoted educator, quiet mentor, and keen naturalist, his life was a rich tapestry of service, intellect, and simplicity. Whether on the volcanic slopes of Mt Taranaki, the bushlands of Victoria, or the lecture halls of New Plymouth, Mentone, Mt Hagen, or Manado, Tony’s impact was profound and enduring.

His deep curiosity and passion for the natural world led to a doctorate in geology, but it was his humility and compassion that left the deepest mark. Former students recall how his calm presence and love of knowledge shaped their lives, while colleagues speak of his unwavering commitment to the mission of the De La Salle Brothers.

“You come close to being the most gentle person I have ever met,” wrote a friend from Papua New Guinea — a sentiment echoed across continents and decades.

“I remember him, very quiet, even shy, but there was form and structure to his every lesson”, reflected Professor Michael Kelly, a former student and now Emeritus Professor of Technology at Cambridge University.

Tony’s was a life defined by quiet brilliance, a life that exemplified faithfulness, scholarship, and care. His smile, his murmured wisdom, and his unassuming excellence are remembered fondly, and his legacy continues to inspire.

✨ COMMUNITY IS MORE THAN SHARING A SPACE ✨

“In subtle ways, we can begin to see others not as people in their own right, but as problems to be managed or obstacles to be navigated.”

In his latest reflection, Br Visitor explores the challenge of truly seeing the people around us — not simply through the lens of roles, past experiences, frustrations, or assumptions, but as people with their own hopes, fears, struggles, and dignity. 🤝

Reflecting on the work of the Arbinger Institute, he reminds us how easily we can become centred on ourselves — focused on what others have done, how we have been affected, or how we believe things should be. Without realising it, community can slowly become functional rather than relational.

“For those of us who are Brothers, this speaks directly to life in community. Living together over many years, often within familiar routines and patterns, it is easy to assume we fully understand one another… Without intending to, we can stop truly seeing the person before us.”

Br Visitor reflects that the invitation is not necessarily to create something new, but to recover a way of seeing. 👀

“It is to notice again the Brother, colleague, or student before us — not simply in terms of role, habit, or history, but as a person with their own journey, struggles, hopes, and dignity.”

In a world often shaped by division and judgement, we are reminded that:
☀️ “God lets his sun shine on the good as well as the bad.”
💙 Community is built through attentiveness, humility, patience, and care.
🙏 Every person deserves to be seen, valued, and treated with dignity.

As Lasallians, may we continue to build communities where people are not merely managed, but genuinely encountered.

🎉🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY BR PETER ABRAHAM FSC! 🎂🎉

Today we give thanks for the life, vocation and extraordinary Lasallian journey of Br Peter Abraham FSC as he celebrates his birthday! 🙏💙

Born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, Br Peter entered the Brothers in 1975 and has dedicated decades of faithful service to the mission of Christian education across Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Italy and beyond. 🌏📚✨

From teaching and leadership roles in Mannar, Karachi, Multan and Faisalabad, to serving as Principal, Administrator, Director and mentor to young Brothers, Br Peter has touched countless lives through his humility, wisdom, compassion and unwavering commitment to the young — especially the poor and vulnerable. 🙌👨‍🏫❤️

His ministry has included:
⭐ Teacher
⭐ Principal
⭐ Hostel Warden
⭐ Community Director
⭐ Administrator
⭐ Assistant Director of Novices

Br Peter also completed studies in Theology and Spirituality in Ireland 🇮🇪 and participated in renewal formation programs in Rome 🇮🇹, continuing to deepen his Lasallian vocation throughout his life.

Today, we honour a Brother whose quiet faith, generous spirit and lifelong dedication continue to inspire our Lasallian family. 💫🙏

Please join us in wishing Br Peter a very happy birthday and many blessings for the year ahead! 🎂🎈🎁

Happy Birthday Br Peter! 🥳💙

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to Br Amir Raza Johnson FSC! 🎂🎉

Today we give thanks for the life, vocation, and ministry of Br Amir Raza Johnson FSC — a dedicated De La Salle Brother whose journey of faith and service has taken him from Pakistan 🇵🇰 to the Philippines 🇵🇭 and now to Aotearoa New Zealand 🇳🇿.

Br Amir has devoted his life to the Lasallian mission of “touching hearts and teaching minds,” serving young people with compassion, faith, and commitment. From his early formation in Faisalabad, to ministry in Gujranwala, and now at De La Salle College Māngere East, Br Amir continues to inspire students through his kindness, wisdom, and deep dedication to Catholic and Lasallian education. ✨📚🙏

A lifelong learner and educator, Br Amir has pursued studies in teaching, theology, counselling, leadership, and psychology — always seeking new ways to serve young people better. His passion for mentoring students and building meaningful relationships reflects the heart of the Lasallian vocation. 💙⭐

On this special day, we thank Br Amir for his witness of faith, fraternity, and service to the young, especially the poor and vulnerable. May God continue to bless him with good health, joy, strength, and abundant blessings in the years ahead. 🙏🎁🎈

Happy Birthday Br Amir! 🥳🎉

📚✨ Feast of Saint Bede the Venerable ✨📚

Today, the Lasallian family celebrates the Feast of Saint Bede the Venerable — scholar, teacher, historian and patron saint of scholars. 🙏

A Benedictine monk of the 8th century, Saint Bede dedicated his life to prayer, learning and teaching. Known as the “Father of English History”, he believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and draw people closer to God. 📖✍️

Brother Quentin once reflected that Saint Bede was “a man and teacher in the mould of St John Baptist de La Salle” — someone who delighted in learning, inspired students with wisdom and humanity, and proudly called himself a schoolteacher until the very end. ❤️

Today, we especially remember and celebrate the students, staff, families and Old Collegians of St Bede’s College, Mentone, whose community continues to embody the spirit of faith, learning and service inspired by their patron saint. 💙💛

As Saint Bede said: “It is a good thing to be curious and inquisitive.”

May we continue to inspire young people to seek wisdom, grow in faith and use their gifts in service of others.

Saint Bede the Venerable — pray for us.



St Bede's College

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.

Celebrating 38 Years of Villa La Salle, Southport

Today we mark 39 years since the blessing and official opening of Villa La Salle, a landmark Lasallian ministry that brought compassion, dignity, and community to retirement living on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Originally the site of the historic Southport cable station, the property was transformed through the vision of Br Alban Dwyer and the leadership of Br Peter McIntosh into a thriving retirement village. It became home to 60 independent-living units and 27 serviced apartments, with a dedicated retired Brothers’ community providing pastoral support to residents.

Villa La Salle stood as more than a retirement facility — it was a place where faith and service met daily life. An ecumenical chapel hosted daily Mass, and the Brothers were actively involved in activities, outings, and community building.

Names like Brs Clement, Richard Hanlon, William Good, Phillip Elwin, and Br Vincent Keating (Chairman of the Advisory Board 2001–2010), along with devoted lay leaders like Lulla and Bob Ballam and Trevor Bayo, helped shape a community grounded in the Lasallian spirit.

Though the facility was entrusted to St Vincent’s Health Care in 2007, its Lasallian legacy continues to inspire us — a ministry that responded creatively to the needs of the time and honoured the elderly with grace and reverence.

On this anniversary, we give thanks for all who made Villa La Salle a sacred space of service.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Mr Shahrukh William to his new role as Senior Accountant – Projects and Systems for the Pakistan Sector! 🇵🇰

A proud Lasallian, Mr William’s journey began at La Salle High School, Khushpur, where the De La Salle Brothers supported his education and helped shape the values of honesty, service, and dedication that continue to guide his life and work today. 💙

Now beginning this new chapter of service, Mr William will support the Pakistan Sector through financial reporting, donor fund management, and the strengthening of systems and processes to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency across our ministries. 📊📚🤝

Based in Multan, he will work closely with the District Bursar’s Office, the General Manager, and Br Qumar Iqbal, Pakistan Sector Bursar.

We wish Mr William every blessing as he continues the Lasallian mission in service of young people and our educational communities. 🙏✨