“Be Messengers of Hope,” Cardinal Filipe Neri Urges Catholic Educators

Goa, October 8, 2025: Delivering the homily at the inaugural Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão urged them to “be rooted in Christ and be messengers of hope,” inspiring participants at the National Convention and General Body Meeting of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS). He emphasised that loving care, joyful service, and generous forgiveness are essential attitudes for hope-filled leadership, encouraging schools to foster a culture of mercy, understanding, and witness.

The convention, being held at the Park Regis Convention Centre, Arpora, from October 7 to 10, has brought together 1,050 Catholic educators from across India. Highlighting the theme, “Compassion and Wisdom-Driven Leadership: Effective Stakeholder Management in Catholic Schools,” Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the Gospel and Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction Spes non confundit for the Jubilee Year 2025, calling educators to become true “Pilgrims of Hope.” 

He cited Gospel examples to illustrate hope-filled leadership. “Jesus approached the leper, touched him, healed him, and became a witness of hope. Likewise, through our educational institutions, we are called to be messengers of hope through our attitude of loving care,” he said.

He further explained that Jesus demonstrated joyful service by feeding the multitudes with five loaves and two fishes, reminding Catholic educators to share their time and resources with the needy. Referring to the repentant thief on the cross, the Archbishop underlined the importance of generous forgiveness, urging educators and school leaders to create a culture of mercy and understanding.

“In our educational institutions, we need leadership marked by loving care, joyful service, and generous forgiveness,” he concluded, inspiring the assembly to embody compassion and wisdom in their ministry of education.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

Photo credit: Albin Lukose