Message Board

Dear Friends,

In his recent encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas”, Pope Leo XIV has underlined the importance of education in the age of Artificial Intelligence. He observes that, “In an era when truth is often distorted in order to serve particular interests and communication strategies, the field of education assumes decisive importance” (139). He further adds, “School is the place where new generations can learn to seek and love the truth, to reflect on the meaning of life and to recognize the dignity of every person” (143). In this context it is pertinent to reflect on our rich legacy as we have celebrated the Teachers’ Day on September 5.

Jesuit education, as articulated in the Ratio Studiorum (1599), places great emphasis on effective communication, critical thinking and the formation of the whole person. Through literature, rhetoric and intellectual formation, students are encouraged to think critically and express their thoughts clearly. At the heart of this educational mission stands the teacher—not merely as an instructor, but as a mentor, guide, and a catalyst for social transformation.

A teacher does not merely impart knowledge; a teacher nurtures wisdom. Knowledge comes primarily through books and classrooms, while wisdom grows through experience, reflection and discernment. Knowledge tells us what, wisdom helps us understand why and, more importantly, how to apply what we have learned responsibly. Education, therefore, is not simply about producing knowledgeable individuals, but about forming women and men who can use their knowledge responsibly for the transformation of society. It is this dimension of education that the Holy Father is amplifying in his encyclical. Pope Francis would call education to be “the natural antidote to an individualistic culture that at times degenerates into a veritable cult of the self and the primacy of indifference.”

Jesuit education seeks to awaken intellectual curiosity, form conscience, cultivate human values and help young people discover their vocation. Hence, teaching becomes a way of accompanying students in their journey towards becoming men and women for others. The contribution of Jesuits to education is thus not simply a legacy of having renowned schools and institutions; it is a legacy of persons formed and transformed. Every Jesuit who has stood before a classroom, awakened a young mind or inspired someone to dream of a better society, has participated in this mission.

True education (not the education of our days, ‘sold’ as a commodity) should nurture socially responsible citizens, promote moral sensitivity and awaken environmental consciousness. True education should help young people not only to ask, “What can I achieve?”, but also, “What can I contribute?” All of us can recall the famous quote attributed to John F. Kennedy, former President of the U.S., during his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.” It is about discovering one’s gifts and offering them generously for the good of others.

Teachers, therefore, are truly Architects of Society. Through their words, example, patience, competence and commitment, they shape minds, and form character. Their greatest achievement is not simply what students remember from a textbook, but the kind of persons those students become and the good things they do for the betterment of people.

As Bernard Shaw rightly reminds us: “Life is like a splendid torch entrusted to us for a brief moment. Our task is to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the next generation.” Teachers carry this torch of knowledge, wisdom and values. By shaping the young, they shape the future; by forming persons, they transform society. Let us realise this critical call and become Architects of Society and let us do this with courage, compassion and commitment.

Fr. Thomas Amirtham, S.J.,

Provincial, The Jesuit Madurai Province