Archbishop Elias Gonsalves has urged Catholic educators across India to rediscover the spiritual essence of their mission and move beyond a purely secular model of learning. Speaking during the concluding Eucharistic celebration of the 56th National Convention of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS), he called upon Catholic schools to nurture both faith and intellect in students — just as the Church’s educational tradition once shaped saints, philosophers, and leaders throughout history. The Archbishop emphasised that Catholic educators must become “witnesses of Christ” in classrooms, inspiring moral strength, compassion, and spiritual depth among young learners.

I wanted to write about this topic because Archbishop Gonsalves’s message strikes at the heart of a growing global conversation — the need to bring values, ethics, and spirituality back into education. At a time when academic competition and material success dominate, his reminder that education must form character as well as competence feels both timely and necessary. The call for “renewal” in Catholic education is not just for teachers within the Church’s network but for all educators who see learning as a tool for transformation, not just transaction.

The Convention: A Gathering of Faith and Learning

The 56th AINACS National Convention, held from October 7 to 10 at the Park Regis Convention Centre in Arpora, Goa, brought together hundreds of Catholic educators, school leaders, and clergy from across India. The event’s theme, “Renewing the Heart of Catholic Educationists: Standing United in Christ and Faithful in Mission,” served as both a reflection and a roadmap for Catholic institutions facing modern-day educational challenges.

Throughout the convention, participants discussed how Catholic schools can uphold their spiritual mission while adapting to contemporary demands in curriculum, governance, and technology. Workshops and panel discussions addressed issues like moral education, teacher formation, social inclusion, and leadership rooted in Gospel values.

The gathering also celebrated the historical contribution of Catholic education in India — from missionary schools that laid the foundation for literacy in remote regions to urban institutions that continue to produce academic and ethical excellence.

Archbishop Gonsalves’s Message: A Call to Reclaim Catholic Identity

In his homily during the closing Mass, Archbishop Elias Gonsalves spoke passionately about the need to “renew the heart of Catholic education.” He cautioned against allowing schools to drift toward a secular or commercial model that values performance over purpose.

“Education in our tradition was never just about knowledge,” he said. “It was about forming saints, thinkers, and servants — people whose wisdom was rooted in truth and whose learning was guided by love.”

He urged Catholic educators to integrate faith, compassion, and discipline into their teaching practices and to create environments where students feel both intellectually challenged and spiritually nurtured. “We must bring Christ back to the centre of our classrooms,” he added, stressing that the distinct identity of Catholic education lies in its ability to combine excellence with empathy.

The Archbishop also emphasised unity and collaboration among educators, saying, “We stand stronger when we work together in Christ’s mission. Let no institution or teacher forget that education is an act of love, not a business.”

Renewing the Spirit of Catholic Education

Catholic schools have long been pillars of India’s educational landscape, known for discipline, quality teaching, and values-based education. However, as societal pressures and academic competition increase, many educators are finding it difficult to preserve the moral and spiritual essence that once defined Catholic education.

Archbishop Gonsalves’s message was a reminder that renewal begins from within — with teachers rediscovering their vocation as “formers of souls,” not merely “trainers of minds.”

Speakers at the convention discussed the need to:

• Revisit foundational charisms of Catholic institutions and ensure they guide school policies.
• Empower teachers through faith-based formation, helping them embody Christian virtues in daily life.
• Encourage inclusivity and service, ensuring schools remain open to all communities regardless of religion or background.
• Balance modern learning with moral grounding, so students develop integrity alongside innovation.

Catholic Education’s Enduring Mission in India

India has over 14,000 Catholic schools, serving millions of students from diverse backgrounds. For decades, these institutions have stood for holistic development — focusing equally on academics, moral values, and social responsibility. Their success has come not only from academic excellence but also from a deep commitment to justice, service, and compassion.

Archbishop Gonsalves reminded educators that this legacy must continue, even as the system evolves. “Our mission is not to compete with others but to complete what is missing — the human heart in education,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of faith-driven leadership in navigating new challenges such as digital transformation, student mental health, and the growing influence of materialism. The goal, he said, should be to help students find purpose and peace in a world that often prioritises success over self-awareness.