On October 22 and 23, the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall hosted the International Congress on School and University Ministry, organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education. Among the participants were two Daughters of Jesus: Iris Altagracia González and Patricia Yzary, who spent two days of reflection, fellowship, and prayer with educators from around the world.
“Charting New Maps of Hope”
The conference’s theme is inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic letter of the same title and by the Jubilee of the World of Education in the Holy Year 2025. The network of Catholic educational institutions numbers more than 230,000, ranging from elementary through higher education, across all five continents. The gathering was intended to be a space where those who accompany children and young people within this network could listen to one another and reflect together.
The program was organized around three themes: the cultivation of inner life, the human dimension of the digital environment, and education for peace. The conference brought together nearly 1,000 educators from 60 countries and featured about 25 presentations over the course of two days. Participants were invited to reflect on new paths to hope, how to cultivate inner life, the human dimension of the digital world, and education for peace. The presentations were complemented by artistic performances and hands-on activities, all in an atmosphere of prayer and listening.
Schools That Feel Like Home
On the first day, the participants were welcomed by Pope Leo XIV, who invited them to transform educational institutions into truly welcoming places. He used the image of a home—a familiar place where people know your name, look you in the eye, and notice when you’re gone. The Pope also noted that pastoral care in schools and universities must respond to each person’s aspirations and walk together along a human and Christian path.
At the inauguration, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery, recalled that to educate is to recognize the beauty of each person—”a unique and irreplaceable work of art by God”—to accompany them and help them shine.
An experience of peace expressed through dance
“The gathering was very intense and concluded with a meaningful experience led by Dr. Filomeno Lopes, who brought everyone in the room to their feet. Through an African dance, he invited us to experience peace and connected us with the reality of migration. It was two days full of life for education.”
For the Daughters of Jesus, who accompany children, young people, and families in so many educational ministries, this conference is an invitation to continue building communities where every person feels welcomed and called by name.
We thank Iris and Patricia for attending this conference and for the insights they’ve brought back withthem.
