On the second day of the European Piarist Days, we began our agenda with an excellent presentation by Meritxell Ruiz, General Secretary of the “Fundació Escola Cristiana de Catalunya” and former Minister of Education of the Government of Catalonia. The speaker shared her reflections on “Future Generators in the Field of Education”. This was followed by an engaging open dialogue between the participants and the speaker.
Next, a panel discussion titled “Hope and a Possible Future” was moderated by Kisito Ndassi Noumessi, with contributions from Fr. Ion Aranguren (Province of Emmaus), Fr. Alejandro Vásquez Olivar (Province of Betania), Neus Llorensz (Province of Catalonia), and Tamás Takács (Province of Hungary). The panellists shared their experiences and insights on topics such as the key factors driving life in the Pious Schools in Europe, challenges for the integral sustainability of the Pious Schools in Europe, the culture of leadership and shared responsibility between religious and laypeople, and the role of social justice promoted by the Pious Schools in Europe, among others.
The day concluded with a discussion among participants and speakers, followed by group work focusing on how to strengthen networking within the European Pious Schools.
On the third day of the European Piarist Days, Fr. Pedro Aguado, General Father of the Pious Schools, led the final session using the methodology of the “Conversation in the Spirit”. In an activity coordinated with young students, participants shared the key takeaways from these days, identifying key insights, areas requiring further reflection, and the challenges to be addressed in Europe.
Before concluding, we had a special intervention by Fr. Josep María Balcells, former General Father of the Pious Schools, who emphasised the importance of caring for and accompanying the elderly, reminding us, in line with Pope Francis’ words, that they are an integral part of the educational community.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Pedro Aguado expressed his gratitude to the Province of Catalonia for organising the event and to the translation team. He encouraged everyone to return home with a sense of creative joy, one that inspires and enriches our communities and works.
Fr. Pedro Aguado summarised the experience of these days in three essential points:
- We have lived a truly authentic Piarist experience. We have been able to see the life of the Pious Schools through prayer, reflection, listening, encounters, being with children and young people, shared searching, and appreciation of diversity. We have become aware of the horizons ahead and the commitment required to pursue them.
- The treasures of these Piarist Days, which now become tasks to fulfil:
- Education is an encounter.
- We need questions that challenge us.
- Young people need guiding angels.
- We can be Good Samaritans.
- The Pious Schools are bearers of life.
- Nothing is done without love.
- The nine best practices of the demarcations.
- Belief in the fruitfulness of the Holy Spirit.
- Calasanz: One young “piarist junior” listed all the hymns dedicated to Calasanz that we sang and prayed. This reflects the great richness of our founder’s legacy, from which we should learn and bear witness to, through our lives, demonstrating that he was right in his mission to transform both society and the Church.
Finally, Fr. Pedro Aguado emphasised that the Pious Schools are a work of God, the fruit of the fortunate boldness and tenacious patience of Saint Joseph Calasanz.
We extend special thanks to Fr. Carles Gil, General Assistant for Europe, for preparing this gathering. The young students also expressed their gratitude, reminding us that they have much to contribute in building the community.
The European Piarist Days concluded with a fraternal meal and a visit to the iconic Basilica of the Sagrada Familia.
We are bearers of hope, extending joy within our community.
