Lyon, May 22, 2026 – The Institution Notre-Dame des Minimes, a significant Catholic educational establishment in Lyon, is proudly celebrating its bicentennial this year. Founded in 1826, the Salesian institution, operated by the Salesians of Don Bosco, has marked two centuries of commitment to education, characterized by a unique blend of “demanding standards and benevolence” towards its students. The celebration highlights a rich history from its origins at Place des Minimes to its current locations in Fourvière and Point-du-Jour.
A Legacy of Growth and Adaptation
Régis Michel, the current director, reflected on the institution’s evolution over 200 years. “The size of the establishment has certainly changed: there were only 200 students at its creation in 1826. Today, in 2026, we are nearly 1,800,” Michel stated. While the core mission of preparing students for national exams (baccalaureate, competitive exams, ‘brevet des collèges’) remains, the educational approach has adapted. “In the 19th century, the education provided was very classical, centered around Latin and Greek. Today, culture is still present, the demands are always there, at the heart of our project, but it certainly manifests itself differently with 21st-century students.”
The Don Bosco Method: Faith, Reason, and Affection
Central to the Minimes’ enduring success is the pedagogical approach of Don Bosco, adopted when the Salesians joined the institution in 1961. This method, founded on trust and a deep understanding of students, emphasizes “faith, reason, and affection” (amorevolezza in Italian, meaning benevolence). “Being at Minimes means being in a welcoming home,” explained Michel. “It’s the project of Don Bosco, who said, ‘I want a welcoming home, with proximity and knowledge.'” The institution fosters close relationships between adults and students, ensuring that each student is known not only for their academic results but also for their personality, interests, joys, and sorrows. This approach contrasts sharply with the “repressive system” Don Bosco critiqued, which created distance and fear between teachers and students.
Addressing Modern Challenges: AI and Social Media
As a bicentennial institution, Notre-Dame des Minimes faces the contemporary challenges of the digital age, particularly artificial intelligence and social media. Michel highlighted the institution’s proactive stance: “Social media is being increasingly set aside, strictly in middle school, and tomorrow strictly in high school as well.” Regarding AI, he emphasized the need to “tame it, reflect, and establish principles.” The goal is to integrate AI thoughtfully without compromising authentic critical thinking and fundamental learning. “This artificial intelligence, if it is there, must not prevent us from having authentic thought. This will be one of tomorrow’s challenges for our students, who may sometimes think that AI can relieve them of all rote learning.”
A Broad Network and Future Prospects
Notre-Dame des Minimes is a flagship institution within the broader Don Bosco network, which includes 50 other schools in France, Morocco, and Tunisia, alongside 11 associated establishments. Globally, the network spans 130 countries, educating over a million students. In Lyon alone, the Salesians cater to 5,000 students across various institutions, including Lycée Don Bosco, Collèges Saint-Louis/Saint-Bruno, and the horticultural institution of Pressin.
Looking ahead, Michel, who is retiring at the end of this academic year, outlined future ambitions for Minimes. These include expanding higher education programs with preparatory classes, bachelors in partnership with Grenoble Business School, Sciences Po preparatory classes, and a Law preparatory class. Collaborations with public institutions, such as the neighboring Lycée Saint-Just and Lumière Lyon II University, are also envisioned. Michel expressed confidence in the Salesians’ ability to adapt, stating, “The context of the 19th and 21st centuries is not the same, but each time, the Salesians have known how to adapt pedagogy and face challenges that they have successfully overcome.”
Defending Catholic Education
In the current climate, where Catholic education sometimes faces skepticism, Michel underscored the institution’s regulated freedom. “Today, it is important to remember that we have ties with the State, regulation around a number of laws: the Falloux law (1850), Astier (1919), and of course the Debré law (1959).” He stressed the importance of defending liberties in student admissions, teacher recruitment, and project development, all while operating within a regulated framework that ensures proper functioning within the Catholic education network.
This celebration not only marks a significant historical milestone but also reinforces Notre-Dame des Minimes’ ongoing commitment to providing a comprehensive and values-driven education for future generations.
Source: https://www.rcf.fr/articles/actualite/enseignement-catholique-a-lyon-linstitution-notredame-des-minimes-celebre-son
