"All men of whatever race, condition or age, in virtue of their dignity as human persons, have an inalienable right to education. This education should be suitable to the particular destiny of the individuals, adapted to their ability, sex and national cultural traditions, and should be conducive to fraternal relations with other nations in order to promote true unity and peace in the world." (Declaration on Christian Education, 1965, #1)

"The sacred Synod earnestly exhorts the pastors of the Church and all the faithful to spare no sacrifice in helping Catholic schools to become increasingly effective, especially in caring for the poor, for those who are without the help and affection of family, and those who do not have the Faith." (Declaration on Christian Education, 1965, #9)

"Since the Gospel spirit is one of peace, brotherhood, love, patience and respect for others, a school rooted in these principles ought to explore ways to deepen its students' concern for and skill in peacemaking and the achievement of justice." (To Teach as Jesus Did, 1972, #109)

"Since it is motivated by the Christian ideal, the Catholic school is particularly sensitive to the call from every part of the world for a more just society, and it tries to make its own contribution towards it." (The Catholic School, 1977, #58)

"Sensitive to the community's efforts to find solutions to 'a host of complex problems such as war, poverty, racism, and environmental pollution, which undermines community within and among nations,' the catechist educates to peace and justice, and supports social action when appropriate." (Sharing the Light of Faith, 1979, #210)

"Thus, they [Catholic educators] will form human beings who will make human society more peaceful, fraternal, and communitarian." (Lay Catholics in Schools: Witnesses to Faith, 1982, #19)

"All of this [tremendous world problems that exemplify the degradation of human life] demands that Catholic educators develop in themselves, and cultivate in their students, a keen social awareness and a profound sense of civic and political responsibility." (Lay Catholics in Schools: Witnesses to Faith, 1982, #19)

Back to the top