“Schools Must Be Communities Journeying Together,” Says Bishop Simião Fernandes

Goa, October 09, 2025 — “A school is not a factory producing graduates; it is a community journeying together in search of truth,” declared Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes of Goa and Daman at the 56th Annual Convention of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS), held at the Park Regis Convention Centre, Arpora, Goa.

Speaking on “Synodal Pathways in the Apostolate of Education,” Bishop Fernandes urged Catholic educators to rediscover their mission as companions in faith and learning. Education, he said, is by nature synodal — “a shared pilgrimage of listening, discerning, and growing together in communion and hope.”

The Meaning of Synodality

Unpacking the theme, Bishop Fernandes explained four key terms: Synodal, Pathways, Apostolate, and Education. Drawing from its Greek roots, “synodality” means journeying together, emphasising accompaniment and transformation. Pathways suggest ongoing movement, apostolate signifies a mission on behalf of another, and education — from the Latin educare (“to lead forth”) — is guiding others towards truth. “Both synodality and education are journeys of accompaniment and transformation,” he noted.

The Emmaus Method

Reflecting on Luke 24:13–35, he presented the Emmaus journey as a model for education: “Jesus walks with the disciples, listens to their struggles, interprets Scripture, and transforms their sadness into joy.” This “Emmaus method — walk, listen, discern, act — lies at the heart of synodal pedagogy.” Synodality, he reminded, is rooted in the Church’s tradition of Communion, Participation, and Mission.

Education as Apostolate

Bishop Fernandes stressed that schools are “microcosms of the Church,” communities where walking together becomes visible. ““Schools Must Be Communities Journeying Together,” Says Bishop Simião Fernandes

he said. Today’s generation, he added, rejects authoritarian or individualistic models. Instead, schools must shift “from information to formation” and “from isolated roles to shared journeys.”

Amid digital disruption, pluralism, and mental health challenges, he called for integral formation of “the head, heart, hands, and hope” — shaping compassionate and discerning individuals who can serve a fragmented world.

PATH: A Synodal Framework

Outlining a way forward, Bishop Fernandes proposed the PATH model:

1. Participation — engage students, teachers, parents, and communities in shared decisions.

2. Accompaniment — teachers walk beside students, fostering holistic growth.

3. Team Discernment — promote reflection, collaboration, and ethical judgement.

4. Hope-filled Mission — form Christ-rooted agents of transformation through service, justice, and dialogue.

“Education,” he reminded, “is an act of hope, and our schools must be tangible signs of that hope.”

Living Synodality

Practical steps, he suggested, include fostering student voice in classrooms, encouraging collaboration and spiritual discernment among teachers, building listening partnerships with parents, and engaging wider communities, especially the marginalised.

Walking Forward Together

Bishop Fernandes concluded with a call for a paradigm shift — “from solo to choral, dictating to learning, overpowering to empowering.” A synodal educator, he affirmed, “is not a mere instructor but a companion in the pilgrimage of growth and meaning.”

“Synodality,” he said, “is not an option but the very style of the Church and her schools — where truth is sought together, every voice matters, and young hearts learn not just to succeed, but to serve.”

By Bro. Malvino Alfonso

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