Vir is the Latin word meaning man, from which is derived virtue in our own tongue. Thus, the true definition and etymology of the word suggests that virtue is a good, manly deed. This is the simple fact on which La Salette Boys Academy bases its whole philosophy.
As a boarding student at La Salette, I have had the grace to participate at this high school for almost two years. During this time, I have come to realize the great effort put forth and the many trials endured by our priests in their effort to form solid, Catholic men.
When I arrived at La Salette, I did not fully realize the potential of what a school like this could hold for those eager to learn. However, I soon delved into the great treasure awaiting me. Every day the students are privileged with being able to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Spiritual direction is also given by the priests to help direct the students' actions toward greater sanctity.
Viriliter Agite! "Act Manfully," so La Salette strives at all times to teach its students to act in such a way, that is, virtuously. Over the past three years, during which I have had the immense privilege to attend La Salette Boys Academy, I have been given an education beyond compare - in the physical, mental and spiritual realm.
MMost of us are well aware that the Church is going through some rocky times. The devil is waging an all-out war against her. It is looking very grim. What Holy Mother Church needs is strong soldiers. She needs Catholic men to stand up firm and fearlessly, and to fight!
I wish you and the boys' Academy great success and prosperity. Our world certainly needs the caliber of young men you are graduating. It seems today that behavior embracing the simplest traces of ethics, integrity and discipline are sadly missing in many of our young graduates.
What makes La Salette so unique among schools nowadays is that it teaches Reality. We learn what it really means to be a man: virtue with strong convictions to fight against sentimental modernist ideas.
Having the opportunity to live with other Catholics was priceless. To witness that we are all in the same fight has given me something that will last in the years to come.
Parents and Friends
Why do we send our boys 800 miles away from home to attend this boarding school? There is at La Salette Boys Academy that which really matters - a genuine commitment to the education and formation of the whole adolescent boy, body and soul, fashioning him into a well-adjusted, high-minded Catholic man dedicated to the cause of the Faith.
Why do I firmly believe in the Catholic education provided at La Salette Boys Academy? It is because the formation of these young men is solidly Catholic, carefully balanced according to the method of St. John Bosco, with proper proportions of spiritual, intellectual, and physical development. The results have been wonderful.
Many of my associates have asked us why we would send our son off to a small Catholic school thousands of miles away from home. Briefly put, we had the confidence that La Salette Boys Academy would help our son develop the strength of character necessary to be a Catholic leader in our time.
Raising sons to become honorable Catholic men is an almost insurmountable task. Heroes are needed to lead the fight to restore the Kingship of Christ. As a mother, it is difficult to show my son how to be such a man. Thank you for forming my son and planting the seeds of honor, discipline, and the nobility of leading a life of manly virtue.
Catholic education offers what secular schools cannot, a unique perspective on life. Excellence with Virtue, Leadership coupled with Integrity and Wisdom as well as Knowledge. Notre Dame de La Salette Boys Academy is forming minds how to think, not only what to remember. Few schools today, even Catholic schools, instill this vision in our youth.
Little did I know I would be sending our son to a boarding school. It was the farthest thing from my mind. However, as Divine Providence would have it, one of your fellow priests talked to me and my wife about the school around the same time we were wondering what we would be doing for our son's high school education since our options were very limited; actually, almost none. And the rest is history.
Just a quick note of thanks for a really wonderful and Catholic good time last week. It was such a pleasure for me to meet you, Fr. Fox, your staff and, of course, the boys. I returned home with such a great feeling of consolation and hope in my heart for the future. Thank you for a great "shot in the arm" and please keep up the vital work. Please give my warmest greetings to the boys and thank them for their gracious and receptive attitude while I was their guest. The whole experience will not soon be forgotten. In Christo Rege, - Michael Matt
My husband and I are so impressed with the results we see coming from La Salette Academy that we wish to send a small donation this Christmas. God bless your holy endeavors!
Congratulations and thanks for the great hospitality. We all had a very enjoyable and memorable time. La Salette Academy is beautiful and we appreciate your efforts to keep it going, and especially to keep it going in the right direction. Thanks again Father! - Seminarian
Thank you for the material dealing with La Salette Boys Academy. It reminds me very much of St. Ignatius Loyola Prep, run by the Jesuits, my school some 70 years ago. As such it has my complete endorsement and I would very much like to be kept informed of future progress.
- Wellington T. Mara (deceased) President, New York Giants Football
Father - They were excellent!! A thrill to have your boys on board! -Rachel (Flight Attendant, Rugby team to Utah for Nationals)
However you have figured out to keep me on your mailing list when I am not a "heavy hitter" donor, I am most grateful. Your mailings with this fine young men pictured all over them are a shot in the arm! Listen, Father, I just can't encourage you enough, that this formation that you are doing is the largest single thing that we lost in my generation! Keep up the good work, and know that even when I'm not able to write you a decent check, you are all in my prayers. Please remember, and have your boys remember, those young men whose parents who have not yet figured out what real formation is all about.
Words are not sufficient to thank you for all you do, so we ask God to bless you forever. - La Salette Parents
When I read your letter describing the High Mass to begin the academic year at the Academy, it lifted up my heart and it was a message that we needed to hear. It is all about the abundant graces poured down as jewels from Our dear Queen of Heaven. Thanks be to God.
We just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated the Graduation Weekend at La Salette. Of course we had heard much about the Academy from our grandsons and their parents (our daughter), but to see everything first-hand was so impressive! The church and campus (including the landscaping) are beautiful! The faculty is obviously on the right track - orthodox, moral, strict, intelligent - and it shows in the students. It is so gratifying to see all of you priests wearing your cassocks instead of lay clothes. The students are remarkable academically (how about those national test scores!) and they are getting a real classical education. The memorization of the "Shrew" dialogue was incredible! You are providing a firm (hopefully unshakable) foundation for these boys to face the hedonistic secular world and be the "remnant" to make it better. We also enjoyed seeing our first rugby game. Wow! You truly are fulfilling your mission of making boys into honorable men. - La Salette Grandparents
We extend our gratitude for the great charity you show in providing a marvelous Catholic formation for the young men attending Notre Dame de La Salette. Deo gratias for such blessings and good fruit from your labor in His Illinois vineyard! May the Christ Child bring you a grace-filled New Year and the joyous heart of Simeon. -La Salette Parents
We appreciate all of the good Catholic examples your students have set in their rugby matches this year. - Benefactors
Please use the enclosure to help meet the needs of your students. Take good care of them as they are the future of our Faith.
It is very important to me that the school succeeds and grows. I've been praying and waiting thirty years for this. I want to tell you again how impressed I am with those boys. They are rare breed, mature beyond their years. It seems it would take a very strong boy to pack up and leave home and live at a boarding school. Thanks
Thank you so much for your regular news bulletins. It gladdens my heart to read about the successes your academy has had on the rugby field and graduation ceremonies. In this world that we live in that is so full of sin and wickedness it is truly wonderful to see that shining light of Our Lord somewhere. La Salette truly represents the Catholic Faith and the Catholic way of life as they should be lived! Keep up the good work! You and the school are in our daily prayers.
