The initiatives of the “Global Compact on Education” restart
As you may be aware, among the many lines of renewal in Catholic education over the past few years, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has challenged the entire education community of the Church to respond to his call to reimagine and reconstruct education as a means of bridging divisions in the world through a Culture of Encounter. Last year, the call focussed on “Reinventing the Global Compact on Education”.
The Global Compact on Education is an event promoted by Pope Francis to rekindle our dedication for and with young people, renewing our passion for a more open and inclusive education. The event is not limited to educational and academic institutions but rather, in the belief that commitment to education must be shared by all, involves representatives of religions, international bodies and the various humanitarian institutions, of the academic, economic, political and cultural world.
The whole idea is inspired by an African proverb that “It takes a village to raise a child”. The Pope, however, goes further saying that in our days, “We have to create such a village before we can educate. In the first place, the ground must be cleared of discrimination and fraternity must be allowed to flourish”. It is about educating young people in fraternity, learning to overcome divisions and conflicts, promoting hospitality, justice and peace.
Meeting 15 October
In his instruction to the Congregation for Catholic Education, the Holy Father appeals all who care about the education of the young generation to get involved in and sign a Global Pact to create a global change of mentality. In line with this call, a virtual meeting will be held on 15 October 2020 at 2.30 pm (GMT+2), open to all and broadcast live on the Vatican Media YouTube channel. The Pact will be presented through the words of Pope Francis and some international educational experiences.
Marist participation
We, Marists of Champagnat, have been part of the event through the Secretariat for Education and Evangelization of the Institute playing an active role in its preparation. We have also contributed experiences through a publication of the International Office of Catholic Education (OIEC) and the Education Commission of the Union of Superiors General of both male and female congregations (USG/UISG) in Rome. In addition, the Secretariat, the General Council and some members of the General Administration will be taking part in the follow-up virtual seminar on the same topic from the 12th to 14th November 2020.
A book has been put together as mentioned above by the International Organisation for Catholic Education and in it you will find four Marist projects and the writing from the Superior General, Brother Ernesto Sanchez.
We invite all involved in Marist Education and most importantly system leaders and Coordinators to avail themselves of this opportunity to keep in touch with developments in Catholic Education at the invitation of the Holy Father.
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