On Thursday, 8 May, coinciding with the celebration of Our Lady of the Pious Schools, the 12th Calasanz Institute Conference was held at the Trinitarian Headquarters of the Catholic University of Valencia, with the participation of Fr. Carles Gil, Assistant General for Europe and General Treasurer.
The conference was presented by the Rector of the University, Mr. José Manuel Pagán, who raised the question of what kind of teacher we want in our religious schools. Next, the Provincial of Betania, Fr. Iván Ruiz, read the passage from the wedding at Cana and said a short prayer. After the reading of the Institute’s annual report by its Secretary, Mr. Ricardo Cerverón, Fr. José Luis Zanón introduced the speaker, briefly summarising his life and career.
Fr. Carles Gil’s presentation addressed the theme of ‘Fidelity to the charism’ as a creative response to contemporary challenges in educational institutions. In other words, how can we be faithful to the charism in today’s world? In his speech, the Piarist argued that we must be faithful to the charism, but that if this charism is not adapted to the present times, it is not sustainable and will eventually die out. We must embody this charism in the contemporary world and, to do so, it is essential to adapt it and live it. Catholic schools and, therefore, the Pious Schools, must be aware of their mission to save humanity in the contemporary ontological desert and seek the human and spiritual fulfilment of their students. In this mission, the figure of the teacher is key. We must be, he added, ‘apostles of charism’.
Finally, Prof. José Mula introduced the students who took part in intercultural internships during the past academic year. In their brief remarks, they emphasised the extraordinary gift of hospitality they encountered in Central America.
During this afternoon session, those in attendance learned with great joy and happiness of the white smoke rising from the Vatican. The talk was interrupted to follow live the first appearance of the new Pope, Leo XIV, who was greeted with applause by the entire audience.
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The Saint Joseph Calasanz University Institute was founded in 2007 jointly by the Pious Schools and the UCV with the aim of promoting and carrying out study and research activities that deepen knowledge of St. Joseph Calasanz and the Order of the Pious Schools, especially in their pedagogical aspects.
You can view the session at the following link:
