CATHOLIC SCHOOLS must step up as spaces of compassion as the country faces a moral crisis and rising cases of mental health issues, an educator and priest said.
During the first session of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines – National Capital Region (CEAP NCR) general assembly last Wednesday, July 29, Msgr. Gerardo Santos reminded Catholic schools to practice sensitivity towards students and faculty members, at a time of social and economic challenges that can affect one’s mental well being.
“Depression is real. We need to face that. And it is not only experienced by young people, but even by our own children, by our own people,” Santos said.
Citing the pastoral letter published by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on mental health, Santos explained that the emotional welfare of both students and educators are mostly caused by socioeconomical issues such as poverty, injustices and moral strife.
“While we face the continuous challenge of being fragmented because of divisive conflicts and widespread poverty, as well as ecological devastation, we experience a reality that we cannot ignore,” the priest added.
Santos warned that the increasing emotional turmoil among people may deepen the moral crisis faced by society, which he described as a level of uncertainty that makes people unable to distinguish right from wrong.
For Santos, creating an environment with radical acceptance for all educators and students is an effective resolution to a world in turmoil. He urged Catholic schools to promote non-violent and inclusive language in faith-based education as part of their mission to enhance learning.
“To be inclusive is to use unarmed and disarming words so that we are able to find reconciliation and build bridges, not wars,” he said.
Held at the Dr. Robert Sy Ballroom of the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P., the three-day general assembly gathered school heads, administrators, and educators across the National Capital Region under the theme “CEAP NCR: Transforming Catholic Schools into New Maps of Hope.”
This event aims to deepen the shared mission and Catholic identity, explore innovative and future-ready approaches, and reaffirm the commitment of over 1,500 Catholic schools to solidarity and mission outreach. F – Marcus Shaun Holman
