Brother Armin Luistro, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, has appointed Brother Josean Villalabeitia as the new Postulator General of the Institute, with ratification by the Vatican on 30 September 2025.
Brother Josean was born in Bilbao (Spain) in 1955 and belongs to the Arlep District (Lasallian Region of Europe and the Mediterranean). He was a student of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He pronounced his first vows in 1974 and his perpetual profession in 1982.
Brother José Antonio (Josean) holds a Degree in Physics from the University of the Basque Country and a Doctorate in Theology from the Lateran University in Rome. He has taught Physics and Mathematics, as well as being directly involved in various pastoral activities and in the formation of candidates for Lasallian religious life.
He has written several books and numerous articles of various kinds, including three volumes that are part of the Lasallian Studies series, as well as his most recent work: “The Good Shepherd, Archetype of the Lasallian Educator”, which is part of the Lasallian Essays series.
For 11 years he was a missionary in Africa, where he served in Equatorial Guinea, Togo and Ivory Coast. He then joined the teaching staff of the Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle (CSEULS) in Aravaca-Madrid, where he served for another twelve years. At the same time, he has delivered numerous courses, mainly on Lasallian themes, in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Latin America and French-speaking Africa.
In September 2024, he took on the role of Vice-Postulator to promote the cause for the proclamation of Saint John Baptist de La Salle as Doctor of the Church. This appointment is now followed by that of Postulator General.
Brother Josean comments on his appointment: “Being Postulator General of the Institute means, above all, being attentive to the fruits of holiness that the Lasallian charism inspires almost everywhere”, and he continues, “The Lasallian Institute counts among its members several saints, blessed and venerable persons who are the best demonstration that the Lasallian charism is a wonderful way of living the Gospel”.
* The Postulator General is responsible for the causes of canonisation and beatification of members of the Institute. His work is a specialised task that requires a thorough knowledge of canon law and Church practice in matters of saints’ causes.