De La Salle Brothers arrive in Singapore and Penang (1852)

In 1852, the De La Salle Brothers arrived in Singapore from Europe, establishing the first Lasallian educational institutions in Asia. This foundational event included the founding of St. Joseph's Institution, recognized as the first Catholic school in Singapore. The brothers' mission focused on providing human and Christian education, particularly to the poor, marking the beginning of their educational presence in the region.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The De La Salle Brothers, officially the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, are a Catholic lay religious congregation founded in France by Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. Their principal mission is to provide human and Christian education, especially to the poor. In 1852, they established their first missionary establishment in the Far East, marking the beginning of Lasallian education in Asia.

Arrival and Foundations. The brothers arrived in Singapore in 1852, founding St. Joseph's Institution, which became the first Catholic school and the third oldest school in the country. This establishment served as the first missionary outpost for the order in the Far East. The brothers brought items such as a grandfather's clock on their first voyage, which later stopped due to damage.

Educational Legacy. The founding of St. Joseph's Institution in 1852 established a lasting educational legacy in Singapore. The school's blocks are named after various figures, including the order's founder Jean-Baptiste de La Salle and the school's first principal Liefroy Bajon. This foundation reflects the brothers' commitment to education and their influence on the local educational landscape.

People involved

Sources

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