India: Catholic Educators Reflect on Enrichment and Renewal at the 56th AINACS Convention in Goa

The 56th Annual Convention of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS) brought together over a thousand Catholic educators from across India for four days of learning, reflection, and fellowship at the Park Regis Convention Centre in Arpora, Goa, from October 7 to 10, 2025. 

Building on the legacy of previous conventions, which have consistently emphasized the holistic mission of Catholic education, this year’s theme, “Compassion and Wisdom Driven Leadership: Effective Stakeholder Management in Catholic Schools,” provided a timely platform for discussion, inspiration, and renewal. 

Participants described the convention as a deeply enriching experience that strengthened both professional skills and spiritual vision. 

Synodal Emphasis & Collaborative Atmosphere 

Sr. Philomena Lobo FMA of Auxilium Convent High School, Vadodara, Gujarat reflected on the emphasis on synodal and compassionate leadership, noting that the sessions inspired her to lead with renewed hope, faith, and wisdom. Similarly, Bro. Julius George CMSF, Director of St. Francis School, Greater Noida, highlighted the well-organized sessions and collaborative atmosphere, acknowledging the opportunity to further enhance academic depth in future gatherings. 

Holistic Formation & Shared Purpose 

Several participants spoke of the convention’s ability to reinforce Catholic values in education. Sr. Bailaja James SCSA of Maria Rafols School, Borivali, Mumbai observed that the sessions and fellowship renewed her zeal, faith, and commitment to holistic formation grounded in Gospel values. Fr. Jisho Mathew, OCD, from Mount Carmel School, Garhshankar, Punjab, emphasized that the event was a reminder for educators to remain vigilant, responsible, and united, and praised the convention as a space for collaboration and shared purpose.

Compassion & Legal Awareness 

Insights from inspiring speakers left a lasting impression on the participants. Sr. Mary Kala  Ambrose SCSA of St. Anne’s High School, Tamil Nadu said that the talks on compassion and wisdom-driven leadership encouraged her to lead with empathy, integrity, and vision, while Sr. Ajitha G. FS of Little Flower Group of Institutions, Hospet, Karnataka, appreciated the focus on foundational education, legal awareness, and fostering problem-solving skills in students.

Challenging, Strengthening & Inspiring 

Fr. Jayaprasad K J MST of Santhome Public School, Mandya, Karnataka, described the sessions by Cardinal Filipe Neri, actor Roshan, and Shubhanshu Shukla as particularly inspiring, noting that they challenged participants to think differently and emphasized the impact of patience, perseverance, and hard work. Sr. Clarina Gonsalves, S.F.N., from St. Joseph High School, Nagoa,Goa added that the convention strengthened her resolve to lead with faith, compassion, wisdom, and collaboration, making a positive impact in her educational ministry. 

Sr. Manisha Fernandes FSMA of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Mhow (M.P.) described the AINACS Convention as “a truly enriching and inspiring experience.” She said the well-organized event united educators nationwide, fostering learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. "The sessions offered valuable insights and practical takeaways, reaffirming Catholic educators’ commitment to holistic, faith-based, and compassionate education," Sr Manisha added.

Cross-Learning of Best Practices 

Reflecting on the success of the 56th AINACS National Convention held in Goa, Rev. Dr. Shinoj Kizhakkemuryil TOR, President of AINACS, described the gathering as “inspiring and deeply relevant in the current educational climate.” He noted that the event effectively brought together the key concepts of compassion, wisdom, synodal leadership, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and social justice in education, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue and renewal. 

With educators participating from diverse regions of the country, the convention facilitated cross-learning of best practices and shared challenges, enriching the collective mission of Catholic education. Rev. Dr. Shinoj expressed gratitude for the supportive cooperation of Cardinal Filipe Neri and local religious communities, noting that the smooth organization and pleasant weather contributed to the success of the event. While mentioning that narrow and uneven roads posed minor logistical concerns, he emphasized that the overall experience was one of unity, learning, and renewed commitment to faith-filled, value-based education.

The 56th AINACS Convention successfully reaffirmed the mission of Catholic schools to provide value-based, holistic education, while equipping educators with the vision and tools to lead with compassion and integrity in their communities. 

(Br. John Malvino Alfonso, OCD, is a member of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, based at Avila Jyothi, Mapusa, Goa, India.)