Students at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh PA “Walk the Quad.”
In considering the Lasallian tradition, one thinks about the long history of Lasallian education based on the vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. His innovative ideas transformed education by creating a community of educators to provide a Christian education to the young, and especially those in need and marginalized by society. The Christian Brothers and their Lasallian Partners in each of our schools practice educational and spiritual traditions passed down since the time of De La Salle. One can also consider unique traditions that have arisen in our Lasallian schools. Inspired by their faith, our Lasallian students carry the mission forward with their own traditions which have an enduring impact for years to come. Here are a few examples from across the District:
There is a long-standing tradition at La Salle Academy in Providence RI which started in 1941 after four Brothers and a stonemason completed the campus Grotto in honor of Mary “Our Lady of Grace.” Soon after, football teams began kneeling in prayer at the Grotto before both home and away games. Over the years, other athletic teams joined the tradition. Now, young men and women on teams from field hockey to lacrosse, cross country to tennis, go to the Grotto. The student-athletes kneel in silent prayer and then are led in vocal prayer by one of their team captains. It is remarkable to see young men and women offering their coming efforts to God, through the intercession of Mary. It has become an iconic tradition that takes place almost every afternoon during the fall and spring seasons.
At Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh PA students participate after lunch daily in “Walking the Quad.” It is a ten- minute counter-clockwise stroll around the Quad, which has a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the center. While the origin of this practice nearly one hundred years ago may be based in Saint La Salle’s encouragement of recreation—maintaining mind, soul, and body—it also had a much more practical side. The size of the student body had outgrown the cafeteria seating. The students that had finished eating were gathering in the Quadrangle. Rather than simply have them stand around and possibly get rowdy, a no-nonsense Disciplinarian told them to start walking. This tradition has continued, and the students have taken it to heart. In fact, the alumni magazine bears the name “The Quadrangle” in recognition of this tradition.
La Salle Academy, Providence RI Lacrosse team prays at the Grotto before their game.
One of the newer Lasallian school traditions is at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft NJ. It began fifteen years ago, when one student asked for permission to play his bagpipe to “pipe out” his senior classmates on their last day. The pipe out was permitted because it sounded like an organized way to dismiss the senior class. Playing as he walked through the school halls, seniors left their classrooms to follow as he passed. This was continued the next year, and, shortly thereafter, ten students joined the new CBA Pipes & Drums Band. Today, this is a forty- member band, that still pipes out the senior class on their last day of school. This event has grown to become a cherished tradition for students, parents, and staff.
At LaSalle Institute in Troy NY, sixth grade students line the walkway to cheer the departing seniors on their last day.
The Pipe & Drum Band at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft NJ leads seniors out of school year on their last day of classes.
La Salle Institute in Troy NY, which includes grades six through twelve, also has a favorite tradition for the seniors’ last day. The sixth graders form rows on both sides of the walkway between the school doors and the parking lot. As the seniors leave the building, the sixth graders ‘cheer the seniors out’ and offer high- fives as they pass. Parents gather at the end of the lines of young students to celebrate their graduates. It is a joyful tradition that always brings a few tears to the eyes of participants. At the San Miguel School of Providence RI there is a Lenten tradition that began shortly after their founding in 1993, and includes an ancient tool used by Native Americans. Students are encouraged to write down on a slip of paper any troubles they may have and place them in a large wicker basket with tribal feathers called the “Burden Basket.” On the last school day before Easter, the school community goes outside together for a ceremony in which they burn their burdens in an open fire. The rising smoke symbolizes releasing the burdens so they are “rising up to God”. The San Miguel middle school students take this beautiful tradition very seriously every Lenten season.
“Silent Night” at La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor PA began when the school’s basketball team defeated a rival in a home playoff game attended by nearly 300 students dressed in costumes. Students remained silent until their team scored its tenth point when they began to cheer loudly. As the game ended in victory the students stopped cheering to sing “Silent Night.” The student body becoming the sixth man on the team has become a highly anticipated tradition at the High School, and helps to keep the school’s mission of fraternity at the forefront of its athletics.
Students at La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor PA wear fun costumes and sing Silent Night after each win.
Some Lasallian school traditions are serious while others are light hearted, but they all have the deeper meaning of being inspired by the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Traditions help to connect students to their shared values and faith, and they foster harmony among the school community. This creates long lasting bonds of affection between students and their schools helping to ensure continuity for the Lasallian mission.
