Rome (Italy). On 13 May 2021, the World Day of Catholic Education is celebrated, promoted by the International Institutions of Catholic Educational Institutions of the various continents. It was established in 2002 by the OIEC (International Office of Catholic Education) Congress held in Brasilia, to draw attention to the contribution that educational institutions can offer to global development and the promotion of a culture of peace and fraternity.
On the eve of the 20th anniversary (2022) and in the context of the Global Pact for Education , the OIEC, of which the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians is a member, takes the opportunity to relaunch this Day at a global level, in collaboration with other educational organizations. The OIEC invites us to make this day an opportunity to bring Catholic Education into prayer, thanking for the commitment of educators, and to make the very important educational task that Catholic Institutions carry out in the world better known.
The goal is to reflect, recognize, and celebrate Catholic Education as a sign of hope.
According to the Global Catholic Education Report 2021, about 62 million students are enrolled in Catholic schools (from infancy, primary, and secondary), of which over 6 million are in Higher Education Institutions. The Catholic Church also manages other Institutions and Organizations that provide educational services for children and young people, including those related to non-formal education and training for employment and work.
To celebrate this day, the OIEC offers various resources: an information brochure and flyer in English, French, and Spanish; a report in English, with 25 interviews in the three languages.
This year, the World Day for Catholic Education is on 13 May, the date on which the Salesian Family celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello, Co-founder with Don Bosco of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco.
An area in the resources contains the testimonies of some Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from the different contexts in which the Institute, which for almost 150 years has dedicated itself to the education of young people, is present with a focus on children and girls.
The interviews recount the experience of seven FMA engaged in different ways in the promotion and education of children, girls, and women, from school to non-formal educational contexts, in the empowerment of women, in research, and in active participation in International Organizations.
They are the testimonies of educators who work today, not only in Catholic schools and Universities around the world, but also in non-formal Catholic Education Organizations, essential for giving better opportunities to all, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
Following the example of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, a passionate educator, educators consolidate the Salesian pedagogical capacity to accompany young people in the commitment to be good Christians and honest citizens in the family, in the Church, and in society.
