Archbishop Elias Gonsalves Urges Catholic Educators to Renew the Heart of Education

Goa, October 10, 2025: Archbishop Elias Gonsalves has called on Catholic educators to step away from the secular model and reclaim their heritage in a tradition that formed many of the holiest saints and keenest minds in history.

 Delivering homily during the concluding Eucharistic celebration at the 56th National Convention of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS), he emphasized the need for spiritual renewal, unity, and faith-driven leadership in Catholic education.

The convention, themed "Renewing the Heart of Catholic Educationists: Standing United in Christ and Faithful in Mission," was held at the Park Regis Convention Centre in Arpora, Goa, from October 7-10.

Bishop Gonsalves emphasized the need for spiritual renewal in Catholic education, citing the threats of secularism, consumerism, and erosion of values. "When faith becomes institutional and mission loses fire, God calls His people to repent, renew, and return," he said, drawing from the prophetic cry of Joel.

The Bishop stressed the importance of unity and faith-driven leadership in Catholic schools, quoting Jesus' warning that "every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste." He urged educators to remain united in Christ and focused on their spiritual core, saying, "A divided school system or staff cannot stand. The stronger one—Christ—must reign in every institution."

Bishop Gonsalves invited the AINACS community to view Catholic education as a sacred ministry, where "classrooms are altars of transformation." He called educators to holiness, simplicity, and a renewed sense of mission, emphasizing the importance of personal witness: "The trumpet of Joel calls teachers to become witnesses before they are instructors. Our students must see Christ in us—in integrity, compassion, and faith."

Addressing the digital challenges of the post-pandemic era, Bishop Gonsalves cautioned against the risk of commodifying education. "AI and technology must make learning accessible to all—not exclude the poor from participation," he said, urging educators to adopt a balanced and ethical approach to innovation.

Bishop Gonsalves also urged the AINACS assembly to be both a trumpet of awakening and a promise of hope. "Joel sounds the alarm—‘Blow the trumpet!’—but Jesus gives the assurance—‘The Kingdom of God has come upon you.’ Let this convention be a trumpet blast calling us to examine, repent, and rebuild," he proclaimed. He prayed that every Catholic school in India may become "a house not empty but filled—with faith, compassion, and the presence of Christ—so that we may not only educate minds but renew the very soul of our nation".

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

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