Br Malvino Alfonso OCD, Pictures by Albin –
Goa: The All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS) marked a milestone with its 56th National Convention at the Park Regis Convention Centre, Arpora, from October 7–10, 2025. Over 1,050 school heads, teachers, and education leaders from across the country gathered for four immersive days of reflection, leadership training, and collaborative dialogue, aimed at renewing the spirit and mission of Catholic education in India.
Under the theme of compassionate, wisdom-driven, and synodal leadership, the convention explored how Catholic schools can remain deeply rooted in Christ while addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing educational landscape. The gathering blended worship, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and cultural performances, creating a dynamic environment for inspiration and action.
At the opening Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman set a profound tone, calling educators “messengers of hope” inspired by Pope Francis’ Spes non confundit for the Jubilee Year. Invoking the Gospel account of Jesus healing the leper, Cardinal Ferrão urged participants to approach their students with compassion, mercy, and a readiness to heal hearts through education.
“The heart of Catholic schooling lies in loving care, joyful service, and forgiveness,” he said. “We are called to be pilgrims of hope—guiding young minds to become communities of faith, resilience, and understanding.”
Cardinal Ferrão’s keynote expanded on the principles of synodal leadership—bringing all stakeholders into meaningful dialogue, fostering discernment over haste in decision-making, and recognizing students as precious gifts entrusted by God. “Stewardship is not administration alone,” he stressed, “it is service rooted in compassion and patience, aimed at the holistic formation of each child.”
Engaging Stakeholders and Advancing Social Justice
One of the convention’s high-profile panel discussions, moderated by Dr. Gaurav Kapoor, addressed “Stakeholder Management” in Catholic education.
Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive of CISCE, emphasized preparing young people for life beyond academics, advocating for robust counseling services, teacher empowerment, and character formation.
Rev. Dr. Viju CMI, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Christ University, Bengaluru, stressed the importance of engaging Generation Alpha through technology integration, relational professionalism, and participatory governance in schools.
Rev. Dr. A. Sahaya Philominraj SJ, Director of IDEAS, Madurai, called for prioritizing equity and social justice, urging Catholic institutions to reach marginalized communities and nurture empathetic, socially conscious citizens.
Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes of Goa and Daman offered a blueprint for Catholic schools through the “PATH” framework—Participation, Accompaniment, Team Discernment, and Hope-filled Mission. Drawing on the Emmaus story, he urged teachers to walk alongside students in their journeys of growth. “A synodal educator is not just a transmitter of knowledge but a companion who helps uncover meaning and purpose,” he said, underscoring the transformative power of shared mission in education.
Inspiration from Space: Astronaut’s Message
Astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla brought a stirring, real-world perspective to the theme of resilience and curiosity in learning. Speaking on “Ignite Minds, Exploring Frontiers: The Convergence of Space, Education, and Industry,” he described the physical and mental challenges of re-entry after spaceflight and paralleled them with the perseverance required in learning.
“The true victory is when a child asks, ‘How do I become an astronaut?’” Capt. Shukla said. “Our role as educators is to guide students from where they are to where they dream to be. Discipline, adaptability, and faith in potential are the keys—not only in space exploration, but in life.” He challenged schools to expand horizons: “Let’s not wait another 41 years to send someone to space—let’s build the capacity to send dozens each year.”
Legal Awareness and Policy Directions
A session led by former Karnataka High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha explored legal protections for minority institutions, offering administrators valuable insights into navigating the statutory and regulatory frameworks that affect educational governance.
Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Education and Culture, delivered a compelling homily during the concluding Eucharist. Warning that “a divided school cannot stand,” he called for faith-driven unity, mission-focused collaboration, and classrooms that serve as “altars of transformation.” In the digital era, he cautioned, technology must foster inclusion rather than deepen divides, urging educators to rebuild Catholic schooling with compassion and Christ-centred vision.
Goa’s spirit came alive through performances by students of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, alongside welcome dances from schools in Anjuna, Siolim, and Calangute. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth warmly received delegates on day one, showcasing the hospitality woven into Catholic educational culture.
Anchors Sr. Ophilia Lobo BS and Sr. Prema Carvalho BS maintained a smooth flow across sessions, while daily liturgical singing led by Fr. Seville Antão OFMCap and Zameera Coutinho elevated the spiritual atmosphere. Behind the scenes, the AINACS leadership team, headed by Rev. Dr. Shinoj Kizhakkemuryil TOR and supported by Rev. Dr. Robert Varghese, Rev. Fr. Shojan John O. Praem, and other executive members, coordinated the extensive preparations that made the convention a success.
As delegates departed, the message was clear: Catholic education must integrate academic excellence with the cultivation of hope-filled communities committed to faith, inclusiveness, and service. The convention served as a clarion call for educators to embrace their role not just as instructors, but as facilitators of transformation—guiding students to become resilient, compassionate, and purposeful citizens in India and beyond.