Children “must not be passive subjects in the educational process”, but accompanied by their educators, become protagonists of their lives by planning the future together. Pope Francis meet the participantsXI National Congress of MIEAC (Catholic Action Educational Commitment Movement), led by the national president Giovanni Milazzo and encourages them because, he says, the world “needs educators with big hearts”. Educators who “for the good of the children, young people and adults who live next to you” are “called to broaden your heart, not to be afraid to propose high ideals, without becoming discouraged in the face of difficulties”. In the Congress «that you are experiencing in these days», he added, «you have renewed your commitment to carry forward
an idea and a practice of education that actually puts the person at the centreits essential value and its original dignity, so that it is always and in any case considered the end and never reduced to a means, for any reason. An education – as your project says – “that helps us to re-enter ourselves, to cultivate interiority, transcendence, spirituality, as essential elements for the integral development of the human person, in all its dimensions: existential, spiritual, affective, cultural, social, political”. This is precisely the right perspective in which to continue the path of your Movement. Go forward!”. Referring to the theme of the Congress, the Pontiff reiterated that it is it is necessary to weave relationships and walk together: «In order not to lose the thread in these labyrinths of complexity», he said, «it is important not to remain alone, but to build and strengthen profitable relationships with the various subjects of the educational process: families, teachers, social animators, sports managers and trainers, catechists, priests, religious men and women, without neglecting collaboration with public institutions». Furthermore, he added, «looking then to the next Jubilee, a time to sow hope – because we have a vital need for hope -, I would like to leave you with one last instruction: have special attention for children, adolescents, young people. We must look at them with trust, with empathy, I would like to say with the gaze and heart of Jesus. They are the present and the future of the world and of the Church. We have the task – entirely educational – of accompanying them, supporting them, encouraging them and, with testimony, showing them the right path that leads to being “all brothers”.
The Congress, taking place in Fiuggi from 30 October to 3 November, this year addresses the theme “Land of peace. Education for inhabiting relationships”. An opportunity, we read in the program, «to delve into the great challenges of our time from an educational and planning perspective, first of all that of peacein the belief that a significant contribution can come from the ability to “inhabit” relationships with oneself, others and the world. Hence, the importance of education so that adults, educators, new generations, training agencies, supporting each other, can increasingly promote the centrality, dignity of the person and the development of a truly human society.”
