the Brochure

Illuminations
The Life and Work of Saint John Baptist de La Salle
A Stained Glass Window Collection
The De La Salle Stained Glass Windows of Barrytown
This exquisite collection of priceless stained glass windows portrays
scenes from the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, from his
childhood in Reims to his death and subsequent glorification in heaven.
An historic collection, it is considered the most beautiful and complete
artistic reflection in stained glass of De La Salle’s life and his founding
of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Properly preserved, the De La
Salle Windows will carry the Lasallian spirit forward, will underscore the
Lasallian Mission, and will act as an inspiring “touchstone” for Lasallians
throughout our District: Brothers, Alumni, lay Partners, former Brothers,
current students, volunteers, affiliated members, and benefactors.
In an exciting partnership, The Brothers of the Christian Schools,
District of Eastern North America and Manhattan College are saving
and preserving this collection of magnificent stained glass windows,
originally installed at the Brothers' Novitiate in Pocantico Hills, NY, and
in 1930 moved to the Chapel at the Brothers’ Novitiate in Barrytown,
NY. The De La Salle Windows will become part of the Brothers’ District
Archival Collection through their installation in the Chapel of De La
Salle and His Brothers on the campus of Manhattan College.
“This is a rare opportunity for us to come together and bring home an
important piece of our legacy. This campaign gives us the opportunity to
honor our past, to promote learning about our Lasallian Heritage today,
and to inspire generations of Lasallians to join us in a spirit of faith and
zeal for the human and Christian education of young people, especially
those in need. I hope that you will join us!”
-Br. Dennis Malloy, FSC, visitor/Provincial
Please join us in preserving this piece of our legacy, and ensuring that
such an iconic collection of beautiful stained glass has a home where
future generations of Lasallians can observe and appreciate our unique
heritage.
For more information about the windows or giving opportunities,
please visit www.fscdena.org/support/lasalle-windows/
Rendering
The Childhood of Saint John Baptist de La Salle
This window depicts the childhood of the Saint who
was born in 1651 in Reims, France. He was the first
of 11 children. Three of the sons became priests,
and each became a doctor of theology. De La Salle
was ordained a priest on Holy Saturday in 1678. The
detail of his childhood home appears in the window,
and his parents can be seen on the right.
He Offers Children
of All Nations to the Holy Family
Notable in this window are the extension of De
La Salle’s arm heavenward, the children in native
garb, and Saint Peter’s Basilica in the background,
representing the worldwide character of the work of
the Brothers. The cherub symbol is used to remind
us of God’s presence. The garland of fruit symbol
represents the bountifulness of Divine Providence,
while the face symbol represents the fullness of life.
James II Visiting Children of
his Irish followers
King James II of England was defeated at the Battle
of the Boyne in 1690. Supported by King Louis XIV,
he took up residence at St. Germain-en-Laye, near
Versailles. He asked De La Salle to establish a school
for the children of his Irish followers, which was duly
established in Paris in 1700. James II and Archbishop
Noailles of Paris are seen here visiting the Irish
children. The cathedral in the background is Notre
Dame of Paris.
Consecration to the Holy Child Jesus
De La Salle’s spiritual advisers, Fathers Nicolas
Barre and Nicolas Roland, were known for their
work with the poor — a path that De La Salle
would follow. The Cathedral of Reims, pictured in
the background of this window, is where De La Salle
was installed as a Canon at the age of 15, resigning
this position in 1683 to share in the poverty of
the Brothers. The artistic detail in these windows
is reflected in the vestments and the halo in the
Consecration window.
He Distributes his Patrimony to the Poor
De La Salle distributed his inheritance to the poor
of Reims during the severe winter of 1684. When
his inheritance was gone, De La Salle continued
to solicit aid in order to feed the poor during that
winter. In the upper corners of this window are two
classical images — symbols of the “Corona Civica,”
the second highest honor in the Roman republic —
that point not only to De La Salle feeding the poor
but also to the spiritual nourishment he provided for
their souls.
The Glorification of Saint
John Baptist de La Salle
On April 8, 1719, De La Salle was buried in the
Chapel of Saint Susanne in the Church of Saint
Sever across the Seine from Saint Yon. His remains
were moved to the Chapel of St. Yon in 1734. On the
lower left-hand side of the window, Saint Ignatius is
welcoming De La Salle to his heavenly seat of glory.
Saint Yon
Approbation of the Institute by Benedict XIII
The window of De La Salle teaching at Saint Yon is
based on the painting by Cesare Mariani done for
the Saint’s beatification in February 1888. It was
presented to Pope Leo XIII and now hangs in the
Vatican. Twelve years later, the Pope canonized John
Baptist de La Salle, and he was proclaimed Patron
Saint of Teachers on May 15, 1950. In 1705, De La
Salle moved the motherhouse to Saint Yon. In the
window, the Saint can be seen teaching. The sign on
the wall says: “You must apply yourself in school to
study your lessons.”
Pope Benedict XIII granted the Bull of Approbation
for the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian
Schools in 1725 to Brother Timothy, the second
Superior General. Brother Joseph, the 13th Superior
General, portrays his image in this window. Just to
his right is Brother Donatian Joseph, Visitor of New
York. Archbishop John Farley is second to the right
of the Pope, and just to his right is the image of
Archbishop John Hughes, who was so instrumental
in bringing the Brothers to New York.
First Vows of Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Saint La Salle Receives the Last Sacraments
This window reflects the first vows taken by the
Brothers. John Baptist de La Salle and 12 Brothers
made the temporary vow of obedience for the first
time in Reims, circa 1684, and renewed their vows
after a 25-mile journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of
Liesse. It is here that they stood before Our Lady
of Joy and chose her as the first Superior of the
Institute. A similar window in the Basilica of
Liesse commemorates this event.
On April 5, 1719 in Rouen, De La Salle received
the Last Sacraments. In his spiritual fervor, he left
his sickbed to receive Viaticum. Notice the gentle
solicitation of the Brother and the intensity of focus
on his face. He died at Saint Yon on Good Friday, two
days after receiving the Last Sacraments and two
weeks before his 68th birthday.
giving opportunities
The Brothers of the Christian Schools greatly appreciate all gifts to support this campaign.
Donor Recognition Levels
Supporters at these levels will be recognized on a plaque in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers
at Manhattan College and in the Brothers of the Christian Schools, District of Eastern North America,
Annual Report:
De La Salle Circle $25,000 and above
Provincial’s Council $10,000 to $24,999
Brothers' Forum $5,000 to $9,999
Signum Fidei Society $1,500 to $4,999
Barrytown Heritage $1,000 to $1,499 Lasallian Stars$500 to $999
Patrimony Society $250 to $499
Illumination Partner $100 to $249
Individual Window Naming Opportunities
Supporters at these levels will be recognized in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers with their
name(s) next to the window they are sponsoring, on a plaque in the chapel, as well as in the the Brothers of the Christian Schools, District of Eastern North America, Annual Report:
$100,000 for a full sponsorship
$50,000 for a half sponsorship
$25,000 for a quarter sponsorship
Payment information
o My check is enclosed, made payable to FSCDENA.
o Please charge my credit card: ◯MasterCard ◯Visa ◯Discover ◯AmEx
Account number: __________________________________ Exp. Date: Mo. ______ Yr. ____
Authorizing signature: _____________________________________________
Matching Gifts
You may double or triple the value of your gift if you or your spouse’s company has
a matching gift program. Check with your human resources office for more details.
Company name ________________________________________________
o Enclosed is my/my spouse’s corporate matching gift application form.
Company name ________________________________________________
o I will submit my matching gift form request via my company’s intranet.
For further conversation about how you and your family could be involved, please contact:
Rick T. McKay, Director of Development at 732.380.7926 ext. 121 or [email protected].
Gifts are tax deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent permitted by law.