Sowing Hope: The Educational Mission in Times of Transformation

Accelerated cultural transformations, the digital revolution, new forms of fragility and inequality... The world in which we educate today is no longer that of yesterday. In the face of these challenges, how can the Church's educational mission remain a source of living and active hope?

It was to reflect on this question that the FORUM FOR LISTENING AND DIALOGUE was held in Rome on April 30th, organized by the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education and the international leaders of religious institutes (UISG and USG).

In an authentically synodal spirit, this forum brought together educators from different regions of the world—religious sisters, brothers, and laity—to share experiences and perspectives on the future of Catholic education. The reflections of Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, testimonies from the five continents, and the challenges faced by educational institutions have been gathered into a reference document arising from this journey of discernment.

A Direct Echo to the Charism of Nicolas Barré

For us, Sisters of the Infant Jesus, these questions resonate at the very core of our identity and

history. Founded in Rouen in 1662 to educate children from the poorest families, we have carried for over 350 years, in 14 countries across four continents, the conviction that sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ happens through the integral education of the person.

Our founder, Blessed Nicolas Barré, understood long before his time that school is a space of dignity. To educate is not just to teach: it is

to welcome each young person in their humanity, and to accompany them toward the fullness of life. This perspective, which the "Time for Listening" forum brings to light once again today, is at the heart of our mission.

From Bolivia to Myanmar, the Same Commitment

Our communities, along with many individuals inspired by our founder, experience every day the challenges of an education rooted in highly diverse cultural contexts. Our apostolates—schools, training centers, accompaniment of women, support for the most vulnerable—share the same conviction: religious life is a prophetic presence, capable of building bonds and promoting the dignity of each person, wherever fragilities and inequalities threaten.

The "Time for Listening" document is intended as a tool for reflection and shared commitment. It invites us to develop educational networks, to strengthen collaboration among different charisms, and to contribute together to drawing new maps of hope for the generations of today and tomorrow.