Catholic Educators Meet in Lucknow to Discuss Faith, AI and Future of Education

Lucknow, August 27, 2026: Nearly 300 Catholic educators, principals and educational leaders from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand gathered in Lucknow for the 39th Annual General Body Meeting-cum-Seminar of the Association of Catholic Educational Institutions in UP and UK (ACEI).

The two-day event, held on August 26–27 at Navinta, Diocesan Training Centre, brought together education leaders to reflect on the mission of Catholic education, emerging challenges and the need for innovation in schools.

Bishop Gerald John Mathias of Lucknow, president of ACEI UP & UK, welcomed the participants, including the chief guest and resource persons. In his keynote address, he highlighted the challenges confronting Catholic educational institutions and called for a renewed commitment to their mission, values and responsibility towards society.

Prakash D, IPS, Director General of Railways and chief guest, acknowledged the contribution of Catholic educational institutions to the country's education system and their service to society and the nation.

The seminar addressed a range of contemporary issues affecting education and Catholic identity. Supreme Court advocate P. I. Jose spoke on “Faith and Nation: Catholic Education as a Witness to India’s Constitutional Vision,” examining the role of Catholic education in the context of India's constitutional framework.

Joel Immanuel, technologist and founder and voice on artificial intelligence, addressed the growing influence of AI through a session titled “Artificial Intelligence: Our Identity as Authentic Christians and Responsible Citizens of India.”

Fr. Paul Pudussery, CSC, secretary of the North East Education Commission, conducted sessions on “Building Future-Ready Schools Rooted in Faith and Excellence” and “Innovative Educational Leadership: Inspiring Transformative Innovation.” The sessions focused on preparing educational institutions to respond to technological, social and pedagogical changes while remaining grounded in their foundational values.

The Eucharistic celebrations formed an integral part of the gathering. Bishop Mathias presided over the Eucharist on the first day, while Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi, vice president of ACEI UP & UK, celebrated the Eucharist on the second day.

The gathering concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting faith, excellence, innovation and responsible citizenship through Catholic education.

The programme was coordinated by Fr. Denis Naresh Lobo, Director for Education of the Diocese of Lucknow.

By Catholic Connect Reporter