On May 9, 2025, Claretian educators from around the world gathered virtually for the latest session of Claretian Conversations, addressing the theme “Claretian Educators Responding to Global Challenges.” The initiative, organized by the Claretian Team at the United Nations, reaffirmed the Congregation’s deep commitment to transformative, faith-based education in light of today’s global realities.
Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General, opened the session with a compelling call to reimagine education not only as the transmission of knowledge but as the formation of prophetic citizens rooted in compassion, justice, and service. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Global Compact on Education and UN frameworks, the event aimed to align Claretian education with global goals, overcome existing barriers, and set concrete five-year objectives.
Moderated by James Castro of Claret Las Palmas (Fatima Province), the conversation unfolded in three parts. Panelists from all Claretian conferences—ECLA, ASCLA East and West, ACLA, and MICLA—reflected on inclusive education, ecological awareness, digital equity, and student leadership. A shared emphasis emerged: the need to move from passive instruction to transformative, mission-driven learning.
Challenges such as curriculum rigidity, inequality, and institutional inertia were highlighted, followed by strategic proposals including: the creation of a Congregational Prefecture for Education, a shared pedagogical framework, and a global ecosystem for innovation and formation.
Participants concluded with a unified resolve to shape Claretian schools into communities of faith, leadership, and social transformation.
Source: Rohan Dominic, CMF, UN Team
