By: Manuel Valenzuela
Being Lasallian is more than attending a Catholic school or learning about the teachings of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. It means putting faith into action, treating others with respect, and making a positive difference in the community. At Cathedral High School, students can practice these values every day through their actions, relationships, and decisions. Even today, the Lasallian mission remains important because it reminds us to care for others and become better people.
One way we can be Lasallian today is by showing concern for others. The world can sometimes feel competitive, and people may focus more on their own success than on helping those around them. However, being Lasallian means recognizing that everyone deserves kindness, respect, and support. Students can show this by helping a struggling classmate, welcoming a new student, or standing up for someone being treated unfairly. Small actions can meaningfully impact someone's life.
Another important way to live out the Lasallian mission is through faith. Saint John Baptist de La Salle believed in the importance of education and helping young people grow spiritually and academically. Today, students can follow his example by strengthening their relationship with God, participating in prayer, and using their faith to guide their decisions. Faith is not only something we practice during Mass or religion class; it also shows in how we treat our families, friends, teachers, and strangers. Living with honesty, patience, and compassion allows us to put our beliefs into action.
Statue of St. John Baptist De La Salle.
Brotherhood is also essential to being Lasallian. At Cathedral, students are part of a community that encourages them to support one another and work toward common goals. Brotherhood means being there for others during difficult moments, celebrating their achievements, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. Whether it is helping a teammate improve, encouraging a friend before an important test, or participating in a school service project, students can strengthen their community through teamwork and generosity.
Finally, being Lasallian today means understanding that education comes with a responsibility to serve others. The knowledge and skills students gain at Cathedral should not be used only for personal success. They can also help families, improve communities, and make the world a better place.
Ultimately, we do not need to do something extraordinary to be Lasallian. We can begin with simple choices each day: showing kindness, practicing our faith, supporting our classmates, and serving those in need. By following the example of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Cathedral students can continue his mission and demonstrate that Lasallian values remain relevant in the modern world.