Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., urged Catholic educators to endure hardships collectively and embrace their mission as “pilgrims of hope” during his address at the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Catholic Diocesan Schools Council early this month.
Speaking to principals and supervisors gathered at Karl Hall in Raimondi College, the cardinal encouraged educators to support students amid challenges such as mental health issues and declining enrollment, according to a report by Sunday Examiner.
Referring to the Jubilee Year’s theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” he called for faith renewal and a recommitment to their responsibilities.
“Facing various issues like the mental health problem and the decreasing number of students, as educators, you should have your own faith and unchanging missions, hold on to your hope that cannot be extinguished, and continue to accompany our students and co-workers,” he said.
Cardinal Chow emphasized the importance of charity, driven by love, particularly for underprivileged students and families living on the margins of society.
He urged attendees to address various forms of poverty, including relational poverty, and to seek inspiration from the experiences of diverse students.
“Now, let’s become pilgrims of hope. In the midst of challenges, our hope can be a bright light. For the sake of Catholic education and for our future, we will bring more faith, love and hope. This is our mission,” he said.
Joseph Kung Kwong-pui, episcopal delegate for education, underscored the need to enhance mental health support for students.
He announced plans to integrate mindfulness practices into students’ daily routines, such as prayer and reflection, to help them engage more deeply with their inner selves.
“The key is to delve deeper into their hearts to reflect in silence, allowing them to engage with their minds,” Kung said, adding that mindfulness could inspire students to appreciate good deeds and seek divine guidance.
Kung also introduced plans for distributing plush guardian angel dolls inspired by Luce & Friends, the official mascot of the Jubilee Year, to provide students with emotional support.
Additionally, he outlined a pilot scheme on LGBT and gender issues scheduled from March to May 2025. Topics will include gender discrimination, Church sexual ethics, and the impact of gender theory on marriage and future generations.
Lam Chi-kong, chairperson of the council and principal of Tung Chung Catholic School, highlighted the council’s mission to unify educational policies across its member schools.
He lauded recent successes, including Education Sunday, organized in collaboration with parishes under the theme “What were you arguing about on the road?” (Mark 9:33), which encouraged educators to empathize with contemporary challenges in Catholic education.
Lam also shared achievements from the past year, such as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) world record set during a rope-skipping event with over 11,000 participants, and recognition awards for students excelling in religious education.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Catholic educators’ commitment to fostering hope and unity. They pledged to address the mental health crisis, navigate gender issues thoughtfully, and continue inspiring faith, love, and hope in their students.
