BACS assembly participants told: ‘Put Christ in the center of your schools’

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat

“Catholic schools are meant to fill the environment with Christ at the center,” exhorted Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD of Caceres as he delivered his homily to Catholic teachers at the recently held annual gathering of Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) at the Archbishop Legaspi Hall, Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia.

Tria Tirona also spoke about the importance of faith integration and witnessing in his homily, telling participants to be witnesses, instead of reporters, who he said are many nowadays. Witnesses, on the other hand, are transformed by the event, Tria Tirona explained. Thus, Catholic schools are also called to be avenues for witnessing, places where “hearts are redirected”. 

Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, President of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) reinforced this ecclesial mission of education as he told participants that “Christ is the origin and end of our mission”. Hence, we must “discern together [as] we make our mission, Catholic education in the Philippines, stronger”. 

A Community in Christ, moving forward

In his national report, CEAP Executive Director Narcy Dionisio presented the 3-year program of the Association. Five key domains were identified for “transformative Catholic education”. These are educational leadership, organizational development, advocacy and formation, capacity building, and community engagement.

“These priorities reflect a coherent and forward roadmap for our Association’s continued relevance in Philippine education,” Dionisio said.  

“CEAP holds on to the promise of hope: that the visions we cherish, the ideals we live by, and the quiet beauty that stirs our hearts are never in vain, for every step taken in faith will not betray.”

Cotabato Archbishop-elect Charlie Inzon, OMI delivered the keynote address on synodality, while Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon discussed artificial intelligence. 

Held last September 11, the annual regional assembly gathered 245 participants in the Pilgrim City of Naga. Currently, BACS is headed by Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, Vice-President of CEAP.