St. La Salle was born on April 30, 1651 to Nicole Moet and Louise de la Salle, a city magistrate. He was the eldest child of 5 brothers and 2 sisters. His grandmother influenced him greatly (read him the lives of the Saints). He started his seminary years in 1670. As a seminarian he taught catechism and became deeply concerned about the situation of most families that could not afford to spend for their children's education (secular or religious). In 1672, the parents of De La Salle passed away, so he returned to Rheims from Paris to rear his brothers and sisters. After much reflection and spiritual direction, he pursued his desire to be a priest; he was ordained on April 9, 1678.

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