Saturday, November 04, 2006

Catholic education

Pope Benedict XVI, Ad limina Address to Polish Bishops Saturday, 26 November 2005 - as quoted in L'Osservatore Romano N.49 - 7 Dec 2005, p5

"...[we need to] to devote ever greater attention to the education of young people in the faith. We know that [this education] is not only a matter of didactics, of perfecting methods of transmitting knowledge, but also has to do with an education based on the direct, personal encounter with the person, on witness - that is, on the authentic transmission of faith, hope and charity and the values that directly derive from these - from one person to another. Thus, [Catholic education] is an authentic meeting with another person who should first be listened to and understood. JohnPaul II was a perfect model for us of this encounter with the person."

8 comments:

love2learnmom said...

Wow! Awesome quote!

Leonie said...

I was struck by the statement below, in particular - "Thus [Catholic education] is an authentic metting with another person who should first be listened to and understoond."

Esp the authentic and listened to...:-)

love2learnmom said...

Yes, it is so interesting. I'll have to take a look at the entire talk.

I recently read then Cardinal Ratzinger's portion of a book called "Handing on the Faith in an Age of Disbelief" and his book "Gospel, Catechesis, Catechism" (both from Ignatius Press) that cover some similar territory. They both had some really good thoughtful material on education in general though the emphasis was specifically on religious education.

Both works placed significant emphasis on the relationship between the teacher and student and the second book went on to consider that as a role of mediating. The first book laid out what seemed like a simple three-part consideration in providing solid teaching.

1. That the material is solid. 2. That the methods are worked out by the teacher (though guidance is certainly reasonable) in complete accord with the students' needs) and 3. That the teacher is striving to live a life of holiness. Good stuff!

Leonie said...

I'll have to see if I can get a copy of one or both of these books - sound very interesting. I've saved the titles for reference - thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

leonie...

May I borrow this and put on my blog? For a reminder for me.. and just to share more. It is authentic learning to the core!

love2learnmom said...

I have some notes on both books on Studeo that you can view from searching on the word "Catechesis"

Anonymous said...

I wonder if the current Pope has spent time at Sophia Cavalleti's atrium in Rome? That quote could have been written by her :-)

Leonie said...

Interesting Beate - I have only read one piece on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Shannon loaned me a book.