In the realm of ethical living and compassionate service, the Lasallian tradition stands as a beacon, guiding individuals towards a life infused with purpose and virtue. Rooted in the Lasallian Culture of Care®, these twelve virtues form the foundation of a transformative journey. Let’s explore the richness of these virtues and understand how they can inspire and shape our lives for the better. Check out how we use the 12 virtues to touch hearts, instill hope and transform lives.

1. Gravity: Understanding the Importance of Our Actions

    Gravity calls upon us to recognize the weight and significance of our actions. It encourages a mindful approach to life, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting the impact we have on others. In the face of adversity, our youth workers should maintain gravity, grounding themselves in the seriousness of their role. This virtue ensures they strive for excellence in providing services to the young people and families entrusted to their care.

2. Silence: Empowering Through Listening and Understanding

    Silence is not the absence of sound but a powerful tool for listening and understanding. It encourages us to be present, to listen actively, and to respect the voices and experiences of those around us. Silence creates a space where individuals feel safe and encouraged to express themselves without interruption and shows respect for the speaker. We respect our youth by giving them the space to share themselves with us fully, without interruption or judgment. 

3. Humility: Embracing Modesty and Understanding

    Humility invites us to “humble ourselves” and seek to understand the realities of life as experienced by others. It encourages a modest and open minded approach, fostering a spirit of shared humanity. Our mentors humble themselves enough to understand the realities of the trauma faced by young people. Through humility, they seek to connect on a deeper level and provide support without overshadowing the lived experiences of the youth.

4. Prudence: Putting Wisdom and Caution into Action

    Prudence guides us to practice common sense, wisdom, and caution in our decisions. It empowers us to discern the true good in every circumstance and to approach challenges with thoughtful consideration. Our youth workers exercise prudence, putting into practice the skills they aim to instill in their charges—common sense, wisdom, and caution. This virtue guides them in making decisions that lead to positive outcomes in challenging situations and models proper behavior for the youth that we serve. 

5. Wisdom: Sharing Knowledge for the Common Good

    Wisdom is the quality of possessing knowledge, good judgment, and life experiences that inspire us to seek what is true and just. It encourages a continuous sharing of knowledge and experiences for the benefit of all. Seasoned staff members share their wisdom with colleagues and youth, inspiring them to continuously improve the environment around them. Through wisdom, they contribute to the collective growth and well-being of the community.

6. Reserve: Acting with Dignity and Self Control

    Reserve calls us to “hold back” during times of stress and tension, encouraging actions with dignity, moderation, and self control. It promotes a measured and thoughtful response, fostering a stable environment. During times of stress, this virtue ensures staff approach challenging situations with a calm and measured demeanor, modeling emotional regulation for the youth.

7. Patience: Striving for Restraint and Acceptance

    Patience urges us to strive for restraint, self-control, and a willingness to accept difficulties without frustration or anger. It fosters an environment where understanding and growth can flourish. Despite facing difficulties (getting teenage boys to shower can sometimes be a struggle.), a youth worker practices patience, demonstrating restraint and self-control. By doing so, they provide a model for coping mechanisms and resilience, allowing the youth to learn and grow through challenges.

8. Gentleness: Motivating Through Kindness and Care

    Gentleness, a core virtue, is linked to principles of “Touching Hearts, Instilling Hope, Transforming Lives.” It motivates us to support and guide others with kindness, care, and understanding. A caregiver motivates youth through the gentle touch of wisdom, guidance, kindness, and care. This virtue fosters an environment where young people can achieve success and unlock their full potential.

9. Zeal: Approaching Tasks with Dedication and Positivity

    Zeal encourages a dedicated and positive approach when tasked to serve others. It empowers individuals to bring energy and enthusiasm to their responsibilities, fostering a spirit of devotion. Staff members approach their tasks with positive energy and dedication, infusing each interaction with enthusiasm. Through zeal, they contribute to a vibrant and engaged atmosphere in their service to youth and families.

10. Generosity: Displaying Kindness and Compassion

     Generosity prompts us to display kindness, selflessness, understanding, and compassion. It encourages acts of kindness and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the needs of others. Generosity plays a crucial role when working with traumatized youth, offering significant benefits for both the youth and those providing support. Expressed through kindness, understanding, and compassion, generosity helps build trust with traumatized youth, creates a nurturing environment for them to grow while modeling healthy relationships for those who might not have had positive models in the past. 

11. Piety: Being Mindful and Devoted to Spiritual Needs

     Piety calls us to be mindful and devoted to the cultural and spiritual needs of others. It encourages respect for diverse spiritual beliefs and cultural practices, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Mindful of the diverse needs of the youth that we serve, staff members demonstrate piety by respecting diverse religious beliefs and practices. This ensures an inclusive and supportive environment for youth and families of various backgrounds.

12. Vigilance: Being Mindful and Present to Others

     Vigilance calls us to be mindful, physically, mentally, and emotionally alert, and present to others. It fosters a vigilant care for the wellbeing of those around us and encourages an active and engaged presence. It prompts us to be mindful, provide consistent, attentive supervision, and have a deep sensitivity to the needs of those around us. Vigilance calls on us to be a port of structure and safety in this stormy life. As we embrace these virtues, we embark on a journey of personal and collective growth, contributing to a world where compassion, understanding, and ethical living flourish. The Lasallian virtues offer not just a guide but a philosophy that inspires positive change, one virtue at a time.