established by the De La Salle Brothers, Malaysia
OUR MISSION
La Salle and the first Brothers lived and worked within a purely Catholic culture and their Christian faith was central to their life and mission.
When they came to Singapore in 1852 the were exposed for the first time to the rich plurality of Asian realities, particularly the diverse faith traditions.
The mission statement for their first school was already published in a Singaporean paper on 22 June 1848 and took note of these realities.
After listing the subjects to be taught (English, French, Chinese and the Malay languages, together with various branches of mathematics. book-keeping, drawing, etc.) the statement continued:
" The principles upon which it is to be conducted will be as liberal as possibly can be: thus it will be open to every one, whatever his creed may be; and should, for instance, a boy of a persuasion different from that of Roman Catholic attend it, no interference whatever will take place with his religion, unless his parents or guardians express their wishes to have him instructed in the Catholic religion. ...at all times the masters will most carefully watch over the morale of the whole, whatever their religious persuasion may be, "
From early days lay teachers collaborated with the Brothers- a dramatic and historic departure from the Brothers' tradition in most countires at that time.
In time these lay teachers came from all races and from all faith traditions.
In personally identifying with the mission of the Brothers these contributed the unique richness of their own spiritual and cultural patrimony.
It is this happy blending whick makes for the very special character of our Malaysian Lasallian Heritage achieved through many decades since April 1852.
