Fordham University Graduate School of Education Hosts Two International Faith-Based Education Events:Scholas Chairs Congress and the World Congress of Catholic Education

NEW YORK, June 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Fordham University Graduate School of Education was the epicenter of faith-based education discussions the first week of June 2019 when its Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education hosted, for the first time ever in the United States, the fifth annual Scholas Chairs Congress, followed by the Congress of the Catholic International Education Office (OIEC in French). In all, more than 1,100 people - researchers, academicians, and education, religious, diplomatic and government leaders - came together at the two conferences to discuss how education can be used as a tool for social change, equity through education, and harmony across the world.

The Scholas Chairs Congress is an initiative of Scholas Occurrentes, a global educational initiative formed by Pope Francis that aims to create positive change in schools and educational communities across more than 190 countries. Over the course of the conference (June 2-4) scholars from 25 countries, notably South America and Europe, presented papers and panels on educational initiatives and projects focused on innovative education, environmental and social sustainability, and inter-religious dialogue aimed toward sustainable peace. Selection of those three topics emerged from conversations among young Scholas students – university students from different countries who aim for social change in their communities – as well as Pope Francis' encyclical letter Laudato Si and the United Nations' sustainable development goals for 2015-2030.

"The Scholas Congress is particularly relevant because it provides a great opportunity for discussion about how [we] can promote this year's theme: educating to fraternal humanism to build a civilization of love," said Vincent Fernandes, S.J., a doctoral student in GSE's administration and supervision program. "It gives us a roadmap for what we all need to do, and it is inspiring to know what I as an individual can do to help."

Themes that emerged from the Scholas Congress included the need to have mutual understanding and dialogue with those of different religions and cultures. And, that the focus of education should be to make our young people more human – not just more educated. "I believe we all have the same feeling…that people are exploring the dream of global citizenship," stated Gerald M. Cattaro, Ed.D., director of the Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education at Fordham, in closing remarks.

Next up Fordham hosted the World Congress of Catholic Education (June 5-8), with 1,000 delegates from more than 200,000 schools and 85 countries in attendance. "I cannot overestimate the importance of a Catholic education and your work in bringing that gift to the widest audience possible," said Fordham president Joseph M. McShane, S.J., in his welcome message. "The schools and educators you represent do holy work every day, and in that work, they transform the lives of young people around the globe. Those young people in turn change the world."

The four-day World Congress, sponsored by Fordham Graduate School of Education's Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education and the Catholic International Education Office, examined global education issues in collaboration with bishops, universities, and religious congregations throughout the world.

It culminated with a Saturday morning convocation and program where global ideas were shared at the United Nations general assembly and moderated by Gerald M. Cattaro, Ed.D. Archbishop Bernardito C. Auza, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations, said that society needs to be based on "humanism"— a concept that starts at home with the family. Educators must bolster that idea by building spiritual values in students, he said.

Later, a global panel of leaders presented problems and solutions in their native countries, including how to effectively teach sustainability in classrooms and educate students in local prisons. Jaime Palacio, a lay missionary from Peru, spoke about the challenges of educating children in the Amazon. Educators need to listen to the needs of the Amazon community, he said, and help them defend their land and culture. Another panelist—Jose Arellano, executive director of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines—considered ISIS's recruitment of uneducated Muslim children in Asia. One way to prevent this is peacebuilding through education, he said, like the Madaris Volunteer Program in the Philippines.

In a video message played at the United Nations, Pope Francis also addressed conference participants. For 12 minutes, he spoke about the future work of Catholic schools, expressed his gratitude toward Catholic school educators, and greeted the millions of students who study in Catholic schools worldwide.

"Young people, as I said at World Youth Day in Panama, belong to the 'today' of God," Pope Francis said, "and therefore are also the today of our educational mission."

For more information on the Fordham Graduate School of Education's Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education, visit: http://www.fordham.edu/info/21059/the_center_for_catholic_school_leadership_and_faith-based_education

For more information on Scholas Occurrentes, visit: http://www.scholasoccurrentes.org/

For more information on the OIEC, visit: http://www.oieccongress.com/welcome

SOURCE Fordham University