On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Kalasans family, Pope Francis highlighted the timeless relevance of the mission of Saint Joseph Kalasans.
Vatican News
Meeting at the Vatican on Thursday with members of the Kalasanian family, who are celebrating the jubilee of their religious order, the Pope encouraged them to remain connected to the educational charisma of their Founder and to face modern challenges with a courageous faith and an integral development of the people. .Do it carefully.
Saint Joseph Kalasans is considered the universal patron of Christian schools.
“Your Founder… did not hesitate to interrupt his life plans and dedicate himself to street children,” the Pope said. Noting how theological schools emerged not from rigid planning but from “the courage of a good priest who allowed himself to be moved by the needs of others.”
Thus, he invited the entire Kalasancia family to adopt the same courage and adaptability to face current challenges, especially to respond to new forms of poverty, paying special attention to the emerging needs of society, asking: “What is the new poverty of our times? ?”
courage and confidence
“Do not be afraid to tread new paths,” the Pope said, challenging the team to modify existing models, while maintaining the same trust in God’s mercy that defined the origins of their family.
Holistic Education: A Prophetic Mission
Pope Francis also reflected on the prophetic character of the theological schools’ approach, which integrates spiritual, intellectual and practical education. He described it as promoting unity between the “three intelligences”: the mind, the heart and the hands.
He expressed concern about the fragmentation of human relationships in modern society and said: “Helping young people achieve this synthesis is vital today.”
Reflecting on an anecdote of someone engrossed in a mobile phone while dining with a family, the Pope lamented: “It’s terrible: the lack of humanity.”
He called for prioritizing real face-to-face relationships over virtual interactions, saying: “Look into each other’s eyes; Don’t just talk on the phone.”
The Pope praised the people of Kalasan for their commitment to holistic education, which he described as an important “charismatic talent” entrusted to them by God.
Urging to continue promoting harmony between individuals and communities, he said: “This holistic educational style is a treasure for the well-being of all.”
walking together in faith
Pope Francis concluded his speech by praising the unity and cooperation among members of the Kalasancia family: consecrated men and women, lay people and priests.
He noted how their collective efforts, inspired by the Holy Spirit, embody the Church’s mission to walk together in the service of others.
Linking his mission to the example of Christ and the communal nature of the Church, the Pope said: “It gives me great joy to see that all of you have felt the need to ‘become a family.'”
