At 60 years, core principles of ‘Declaration on Christian Education’ remain vital

A reflection from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

As the Holy Year continues, the Church will celebrate the “Jubilee of the World of Education” in Rome on October 27-November 1 this year. The Jubilee will include several special events: the 60th anniversary celebration of the publication of the Second Vatican Council’s “Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis)” promulgated by Pope St. Paul VI on October 28,1965; the release of a yet to be named commemorative document by our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV regarding Catholic education on that anniversary; and the declaration of St. John Newman as a “Doctor of the Church (November 1, 2025)” and, along with St. Thomas Aquinas, as a “co-patron” of Catholic education.

At a press conference held in Rome on October 22, Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, announced that more than 20,000 people from 124 nations have registered to join in this weeklong Jubilee celebration, a recognition of the Church’s universal commitment to Catholic education at every level. 

Pope Leo XIV’s new document, Cardinal Mendonca observed, will address Catholic schools of all types “not so much in terms of ‘institutions’ but, rather, as ‘educational communities’ for whom the 1965 Vatican declaration “continues to point the way.”  He continued, “rapid and profound changes are exposing children, adolescents and young people to unprecedented vulnerabilities” calling the Church in our age to “inaugurate a season that speaks to the hearts of the new generations, recomposing knowledge and meaning, competence and responsibility, faith and life.”

Read the ​full message HERE.

Photo: A student from St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, prays during a Catholic Schools Week Mass celebrated earlier this year. John Batkowski photo