For over a century, the De La Salle Brothers in the Philippines have advocated the development of Christian achievers for God and country, pushing for the advancement of a holistic, humane education towards a genuine transformation of our society. At the heart of their mission is their faith-filled response to the challenges of the times, one that comes from working together and serving with zeal as they journey towards making Lasallian education accessible.
An essential element of their work as a forerunner of transformative learning is the spiritual nourishment of the students and the other members of the community. This is a gift that they would like to nurture, sustain, and enrich, not only for the Lasallian Family but also for pilgrims from the Philippines and other parts of the world.
In 2022, De La Salle University celebrated the fruition of another vision of the De La Salle Brothers–the Santuario de La Salle. Conceptualized in 2011, constructed during the tercentenary celebration of the death of St. John Baptist de La Salle in 2019, and consecrated in 2022, the sanctuary serves as a repository of the Founder’s relic and opens its doors as a pilgrimage site for educators.
The Santuario de La Salle is a gift of the Lasallian Family to the Church on the 500th anniversary of Evangelization in the Philippines, to promote the devotion to St. John Baptist de La Salle as the Patron Saint of Teachers.
A spiritual beacon for the people, the Santuario de La Salle invites us to celebrate God’s presence in our lives, so that we may continue to honor and love Him through our works and in the silence of our hearts.
About the design
Part of a larger university master plan, Santuario de La Salle weaves together culture and ecology, offering users a different idea of spiritual inclusiveness.
The space aims to take individuals and make them part of a larger, connected group. Its limits help transition worshipers from the busy environment towards sacred areas where worshipers congregate. Circular rooms link together within a porous ambulatory area. The outer skin consisting of vertical slats creates tension between the permeable façade’s lightness and the sanctuary’s weight.
Viewed from the outside, the building appears amorphous and mysterious, smooth and loose in its shape. To emphasize the connection with the surrounding wooded landscape, the exterior uses raw and unfinished materials. The materiality changes as you penetrate the space, shifting to softwoods and brass.
Congregation Hall
“Do your part to help build up the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students.” – SJBDLS, Med 67.1
Even during the early years of his first school at the Parish of St. Maurice, St. John Baptist de La Salle has always exemplified his commitment to gather people together towards a common purpose. He founded schools and communities where students, teachers, and Brothers came together to learn, grow, and support one another. Like St. La Salle, we as educators are called upon to gather those entrusted to our care and provide them guidance, inspiration, and encouragement.
About the design
At the heart of the Santuario is a place of prayer, the Congregation Hall. Fourteen individual doors lead worshippers to a double height central core, taking in natural light that streams through the vast windows above. The light casts a warm glow on the rows of pews that converge towards a central point, as if beckoning the faithful towards a higher purpose.
The lofty interior of the congregation hall stretches skyward, its high-beamed ceiling supported by a seemingly endless colonnade of wooden pillars, further emphasizing the connection between the individual, the sacred space, and nature.
Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament
“Do your part to help build up the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students.” – SJBDLS, Med 67.1
Even during the early years of his first school at the Parish of St. Maurice, St. John Baptist de La Salle has always exemplified his commitment to gather people together towards a common purpose. He founded schools and communities where students, teachers, and Brothers came together to learn, grow, and support one another. Like St. La Salle, we as educators are called upon to gather those entrusted to our care and provide them guidance, inspiration, and encouragement.
About the design
At the heart of the Santuario is a place of prayer, the Congregation Hall. Fourteen individual doors lead worshippers to a double height central core, taking in natural light that streams through the vast windows above. The light casts a warm glow on the rows of pews that converge towards a central point, as if beckoning the faithful towards a higher purpose.
The lofty interior of the congregation hall stretches skyward, its high-beamed ceiling supported by a seemingly endless colonnade of wooden pillars, further emphasizing the connection between the individual, the sacred space, and nature.
The Relic Room
“The miracles of God’s Providence take place every day.” – SJBDLS, Part of the Founder’s address to the first teachers about Providence, as quoted in Blain
Serving as a physical representation of St. John Baptist de La Salle’s life and teachings, the relic reminds us of his enduring presence and influence in our work as educators. He demonstrated unwavering faith and dedication to God, inspiring others to follow his example, in the same way that we seek to inspire others in the spirit of service. In this room, may we hope to feel a deep spiritual connection to St. La Salle, seeking his intercession and guidance in our lives.
About the design
In the Relic Room, natural light streams through the glass walls and casts a luminescent glow upon the relic of our Founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle. The relic of St. La Salle was transferred from its prior home in De La Salle University Dasmariñas to the Laguna Campus and was enshrined on the same day of the consecration of Santuario de La Salle.
Circling the relic are rows of empty chairs, each one a potential vessel for prayer and hope. Within the silent reflection of this room, burdens are eased and hearts find solace.
The Sacristy
“God has called you to your ministry.” – SJBDLS, MTR 14.1 [Med 206.1]
Throughout his life, St. John Baptist de La Salle has dedicated his time and effort to preserving and spreading the sacred teachings of the Catholic Church through education and spiritual formation. Much like St. La Salle’s devotion to his faith, this Sacristy is dedicated to preserving the sacred vessels, vestments, and other religious items used in celebrating the Eucharist.
About the design
The Sacristy was designed with mobility in mind—the wide open space allows for preparation and meditation among members of the clergy, and also serves as a repository for religious items. The intricate floor design is in keeping with the Congregation Hall, creating a natural flow between the spaces within the sanctuary.
The Campanile
“You are called like the apostles to make God known to others.” – SJBDLS, Med 78.2—feast of St. Andrew, apostle
Similar to how the campanile calls people to the church with its bells, St. John Baptist de La Salle has devoted his life to calling children to education, particularly among the underprivileged families and communities. As teachers, we are also called upon to instill holistic and transformative education among the young, creating a strong foundation of not just knowledge but also values imbued with faith, service, and communion.
About the design
The campanile at Santuario de La Salle rises defiantly into the sky, its stark and clean lines in perfect harmony with the rest of the edifice. While the surrounding trees soften the base of the structure, they cannot diminish its imposing presence. The campanile stands as a watchful sentinel over the faithful below, heralding the joyous peal of the bells with every celebration of the Eucharist.
Emmaus sculpture
“Walk along God’s path.” – SJBDLS, Med 75.3
The story of Emmaus has always emphasized the power of faith being rekindled through shared experiences and understanding. St. John Baptist de La Salle exemplifies this concept by turning his own faith into action through education, creating a lasting impact for generations to come. As the disciples of Jesus came together and renewed their faith and hope, so do we collectively pursue our mission to serve the last, the lost, and the least of our society.
About the design
Standing as a central figure within the congregation hall is the Emmaus sculpture designed by DLSU alumnus Daniel dela Cruz. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Emmaus, the artistic concept depicts Jesus Christ together with a La Salle Brother and a student. The story of Emmaus is a testament to the enduring power of faith, and it is this faith that serves as the foundation of Santuario de La Salle.
Jubilee door
“How long has Jesus been knocking at the door of your heart, waiting to enter?” – SJBDLS, Med 85.1 – Vigil of the Nativity
The Lasallian prayer is a beautiful expression of St. John Baptist de La Salle’s faith. It reminds us to place love for God at the center of everything we do, especially in education. By asking St. John Baptist de La Salle to pray for us, we seek guidance in following his example. Ultimately, the Lasallian prayer is a call to live by Jesus’ teachings and keep His spirit alive in our hearts.
About the design
The Jubilee door that opens to the Congregation Hall of Santuario de La Salle features the Lasallian Prayer in 43 languages and dialects, tracing the spread of the work of St. John Baptist de La Salle all over the world. The opening and closing Lasallian Prayers were translated in the three main languages of the Institute.
Made of mature, kiln-dried narra with crisp and sharp intricate carvings adorning the smooth surface, the Jubilee door is the gateway towards a journey of faith and deep reflection. Its clean lines and simple design give it a contemporary feel, a perfect complement to the surrounding modern architecture of the place of worship.
Carillon Bells
“God’s word is powerful in touching hearts.” – SJBDLS, Med 180.2 – feast of St Hilarion
From the early beginnings since the establishment of the Brothers of the Christian Schools to now, the life and work of St. John Baptist de La Salle has reached far and wide, much like how these Carillon Bells fill the air with melody and song that can be heard from high and low. It unifies our community through sound, and we are brought together to fulfill our purpose and mission.
About the design
The Carillon Tower stands tall within the vicinity of Santuario de La Salle—a gleaming armature of steel that cradles a collection of 48 bronze carillon bells and a singular large bell at its center. With a hearing range of up to one kilometer, the Lasallian community is treated to a beautiful melody with every ring, their carefully tuned notes weaving together into a harmonious song.
“I will continue O my God to do all my actions for the love of You.”
Santuario De La Salle – Patron Saint of Teachers
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