"The adoption of the new garb brought about a modification in the Community's name. That of "Brothers" was the one that fitted them best, so they chose it, giving up the name of "Schoolmasters" to those who practice this profession for gain. Humility and charity suggested giving up that name; it had not even been fitting for men who professed to run schools only so that Jesus Christ might reign in them, and so that they might teach Christian doctrine gratuitously. If the name of "Schoolmasters" had been acceptable up to this time in a house where uniformity of lifestyle and equality in all things had not yet bound the subjects together, and where some of them were still vacillating in their vocation, it was no longer proper now that they had joined together to form a single body. Consequently, the name "Brothers" truly belonged to them-a name which nature gives to children who share the same blood and the same father on earth, and which in religion describes those who have the same spirit and the same Father in Heaven.

In this way the denomination of "Brothers of the Christian and Gratuitous Schools" became thenceforth the official name of the children of de La Salle; and from now on we shall call them by no other. This appellation is the correct one, because it includes the definition of their state and indicates the mission proper to their vocation. This name reminds them that the charity which gave birth to their Institute must be its soul and life; that it should govern all their deliberations and animate all their projects; that it should inspire all their decisions, rule all their undertakings, govern all their words and deeds. This name teaches them how excellent is the duty they have assumed, the dignity of their state, and the holiness proper to their profession. It tells them that as Brothers they owe each other mutual proofs of tender but spiritual friendship; and that considering themselves as the elder brothers of the children who come to be taught by them, they should exercise this ministry of charity with truly loving hearts."