India: Cardinal Filipe Neri urges Catholic Educators to lead with compassion and hope

“Let us be rooted in Christ and be messengers of hope as Catholic educators,” urged Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, during the inaugural Eucharistic celebration of the 56th National Convention of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS).

Addressing the gathering, Cardinal Ferrão reflected on the theme, “Compassion and Wisdom-Driven Leadership: Effective Stakeholder Management in Catholic Schools.” Concelebrating the Eucharist were Father. Dr. Shinoj Kizhakkemuryil, President of AINACS; Father. Dr. Robert, First Vice-President; Fr. Sojan John O. Praem, General Secretary; Fr. Siju Thottankara, Second Vice-President; and other clergy.

The convention, held at the Park Regis Convention Centre in Arpora, Goa, from October 7–10, 2025, has drawn 1,050 Catholic educators from across India.

Recalling Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction Spes Non Confundit, issued for the Jubilee Year 2025, Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), called on all participants to become true “Pilgrims of Hope.” Drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus, he emphasized that Christ’s intimate relationship with the Father made Him the supreme witness and messenger of hope. “Rootedness in His Father helped Jesus to become the messenger of hope. He shows us the way to become witnesses, pilgrims, and messengers of hope,” he said.

Highlighting three key attitudes of hope-filled leadership, Cardinal Ferrão explained that educators could become witnesses of hope through loving care, joyful service, and generous forgiveness.

Citing Gospel examples, he said, “Jesus approached the leper, touched him, healed him, and became a witness of hope. Likewise, through our educational institutions, we are called to be messengers of hope through our attitude of loving care.”

He further noted that Jesus demonstrated joyful service by feeding the multitudes with five loaves and two fish, reminding Catholic educators to share their time and resources generously.

Referring to the repentant thief on the cross, the Archbishop underlined the importance of generous forgiveness, urging educators and school leaders to cultivate a culture of mercy and understanding in their institutions.

“In our educational institutions, we need leadership marked by loving care, joyful service, and generous forgiveness,” he concluded, inspiring participants to embody compassion and wisdom in their educational ministry.

The Eucharistic celebration was enriched by liturgical singing led by Fr. Seville Antão, OFMCap.