Spreading Love and Inspiration: The Pope’s Powerful Message to Educators
Pope Francis met with participants of the national conference of the Movement for Catholic Action Education (MIEAC) at the Apostolic Palace’s Concistoro Hall on October 31. At this event, the Pope urged to continue Christian education even in “uncharted lands swept by waves of change” and “waves of secularization.” In addition, he urged students not to get lost in “this complex maze-like era,” and emphasized, “It is important to build and strengthen close relationships with various entities involved in education rather than being left alone.”
Alessandro Di Bussolo
Ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, which will be “a time to sow seeds of hope,” we must look at “children, youth, and young adults with trust and empathy, and with the eyes and heart of Jesus.” This is because they are “the present and future of the world and the church.” Pope Francis made this request when he met with participants of the 11th National Conference of the Movement for Action Catholic Education (MIEAC) at the Apostolic Palace’s Conchistoro Hall on the morning of October 31. The Pope’s speech that day deeply reflected the spirit of the Pope’s new encyclical, “Christ Loved Us” (Dilexit nos), on the love of the Sacred Heart of Christ. In his speech, the Pope said, “Love is the true teaching,” and that through education, “we express love for others and for those who are close to us or entrusted to us.” “The beginning and end of all teachings is love!”
Respect each person
In front of about 100 attendees, the Pope said, “Education is, above all, respecting each person as a unique person and allowing their dignity to flourish,” adding, “It protects the dignity of each individual and creates a relational environment where they can grow.” “We need to educate them,” he said. The Pope reminded that since the formation project of the Catholic Education Movement inherited the legacy of the ‘Movimento Maestri Cattolici’ (Movimento Maestri Cattolici) in 1990, the central value has been holistic education that “helps cultivate interiority, transcendence, and spirituality.” He also added that the Catholic education movement has been “reading the signs of the times” and carrying out educational activities “always in the light of the Gospel” based on creativity.
Pope meets with members of the Catholic Action Education Movement
Christian education walking through unknown lands
The Pope said that Christian education faces new challenges amid “a great turning point” and waves of secularization. In addition, he emphasized that the education field is facing “an unprecedented new horizon” while “the spirit of this era is more evident than ever.”
“Christian education is now walking through uncharted territory. “In this era of fundamental change in human nature and culture, we are seeking new paths in the light of God’s Word.”
Have high ideals
The Pope said that sprouts of hope are sprouting in many homes, schools, parish communities, educational organizations, and educational fields. He then emphasized that it is more important than ever to become “an educator who teaches with a broad mind even in this complex maze-like era.” The Pope put down the manuscript of his speech and delivered a message with deep meaning. “Do you know the way out of the maze? First of all, you should never go alone. And secondly, you have to look from up high to find a way out.”
“To get out of a maze, you must look from above to find the way out. And you should never go alone. I hope you will deeply engrave the meaning of these words. Christian education is now walking through uncharted territory swept by waves of change. However, the stories of hope coming from many families, schools, parish communities, educational organizations, and educational fields are a source of light for us.”
Pope greets one person present
A broad-minded educator
The Pope emphasized, “We must become educators with a broad heart for the children, youth, and adults around us.” “A narrow mind is not enough. A broader mind is needed. There may be many challenges, but don’t shrink in front of them and don’t be afraid to set high ideals. There will be difficulties, and there will be many.”
Close relationships with various stakeholders in education
The Pope emphasized that to avoid getting lost in this “complex maze of times,” it is important to “build and strengthen close relationships with the various actors involved in education.” In addition, he said, “This relationship should extend widely, not only to families and teachers, but also to sports coaches, catechists, priests and religious, and that cooperation with public institutions should not be neglected.” In particular, he added, “Students should not show a passive attitude in the educational process, but must actively participate.” The Pope evaluated that the attendees at this conference renewed their commitment to the ideals and practical measures of education.
“This is an ideal and practical plan for education that truly places humans at the center and protects the inalienable value of their very existence and the dignity they have been given since the beginning. Man is purpose at all times and in any situation. “Humans should never be reduced to a means for any reason.”
A scene from the meeting held in the Conchistoro Hall of the Apostolic Palace
Let us accompany and support by testifying with our lives.
The Pope left a final request to attendees ahead of the upcoming Jubilee. The Pope emphasized that we must accompany, support and encourage children, adolescents and young people and, through our witness, “show them the good way to become ‘brothers and sisters for all.’” In addition, he mentioned the title of the book published by Catholic Action, “Love is the True Teaching,” and urged people not to forget its spirit. Prior to the blessing, the Pope entrusted the Catholic education movement to the intercession of Venerable Giuseppe Lazzati, “a trustworthy teacher and witness, and an example of a Christian educator whom all should emulate.”
“Love is the true teaching. Please remember these words: You can’t teach without love. You can’t teach it. The beginning and end of all teachings is love!”
Translated by Father Kim Ho-yeol
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