At the 56th National Convention of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS) held in Arpora, Goa, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, offered a profound vision of leadership in Catholic education, grounded in the Gospel and the principles of synodality.
Addressing over 1,000 school leaders, teachers, and educationists during the inaugural session on October 8, Cardinal Ferrão outlined synodal leadership as a style of service built on three essential qualities: inclusiveness, discernment, and stewardship, reflecting the compassionate and wise guidance of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Synodal Leadership as Inclusiveness
“Synodal leadership is about communion, participation, and mission,” he said, emphasizing that school leaders should invite all stakeholders, teachers, students, parents, alumni, and staff, to walk together in dialogue and collaboration. He encouraged schools to move beyond rigid bureaucracies, fostering relationships built on trust and shared responsibility.
“Leaders are called to cultivate open hearts, encourage dialogue, respect diverse perspectives, and build a community where everyone feels valued,” Cardinal Ferrão added.
Synodal Leadership as Discernment
Highlighting discernment as central to synodal leadership, Cardinal Ferrão described it as a patient, prayerful approach, attentive to God’s will rather than personal ambition.
“Leaders are called not to rush but to reflect, listen deeply, and act in God’s timing and wisdom,” he said.
He noted that true discernment allows educators to respond effectively to the evolving needs of their communities, making decisions that nurture growth, understanding, and holistic development.
Synodal Leadership as Service
The third quality, stewardship, frames leaders as caretakers, not owners, of the educational mission. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, Cardinal Ferrão reminded the audience that students are gifts entrusted to educators, deserving care, guidance, and love.
“Stewardship is about service, compassion, and patience, prioritizing the holistic development of each student,” he explained.
A Call to Action
Cardinal Ferrão reminded participants that education is sacred work, shaping both mind and character. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he emphasized the importance of selfless dedication in education. Summarizing his message, he urged Catholic educators to embody synodal leadership by being inclusive, discerning, and stewardship-oriented, guiding students and colleagues as “pilgrims of hope” in the Jubilee Year.
The Guests of Honour for the inaugural ceremony were Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive and Secretary of CISCE, New Delhi, and Mr. Roshan Mathew, acclaimed actor.
In his welcome address, Father. Dr. Shinoj Kizhakkemuryil, TOR, President of AINACS, extended a warm greeting to the dignitaries and participants. Dr. Joseph Emmanuel addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of compassionate leadership in education, while Roshan Mathew shared his cherished school memories and expressed gratitude towards his educators.
Students of St. Michael’s Convent High School, Anjuna, managed by the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth, Goa, presented a welcome dance celebrating the cultural and scenic beauty of Goa. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth also managed the reception on the inaugural day, with Sr. Ophilia Lobo BS and Sr. Prema Carvalho BS anchoring the ceremony.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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