International Congress Reflects on the Mission of Catholic Educators
During 2024, for the first time in Chile, the World Union of Catholic Teachers (UMEC-WUCT) hosted its International Assembly, titled “The Identity of Catholic Teachers: Road to the Jubilee 2025.” Among the distinguished speakers was UC President Ignacio Sánchez, who shared insights on the mission and identity of Catholic universities in Latin America.
In a world grappling with profound ethical and social challenges, values-based education has become a cornerstone for nurturing future generations. Recognizing this need, the World Union of Catholic Teachers (UMEC-WUCT), headquartered in the Vatican, chose Santiago, Chile, as the venue for its 2024 International Assembly.
The event, titled “The Identity of Catholic Teachers: Road to the Jubilee 2025,” brought together educators from across Latin America to reflect on their mission and renew their commitment to fostering moral and ethical growth.
This congress, hosted in Chile for the first time, created a platform for dialogue and learning aimed at reinforcing the mission of Catholic teachers.
Over 60 teachers, directors, and education experts from across the continent came together to share experiences and develop strategies to address the evolving challenges facing Catholic education today. The event, which was held on November 12 and 13 at the retreat house of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit in Las Condes, placed a strong emphasis on ethics training and leadership as vital tools for transforming education in an ever-changing world.
Among the keynote speakers were prominent voices in education and values-based teaching, including UC Chile President Ignacio Sánchez.
In his address, he emphasized the mission of Catholic universities in Latin America to shape leaders committed to social and ethical advancement in the region. Other notable speakers included:
- Valtencir Mendes, UNESCO representative;
- Dr. Guy Bajoit, Professor Emeritus at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium;
- Pablo Rodriguez, President of Corporación Liderazgo y Calidad Educacional,
- and Pedro Díaz, President of FIDE (Federation of Private Education Institutions), Chile.
Discussions at the congress also delved into topics such as emotional education, resilience, and the evolving profile of Catholic educators in the 21st century.
In Search of Truth
President Ignacio Sánchez reaffirmed the UC’s role as an institution committed to research, teaching, and shaping students, driven by a deep love for knowledge.
“We share with other universities the joy of searching for truth, discovering it, and communicating it across all fields of knowledge. We are also called to continuous renewal, which requires pursuing truth without yielding to particular interests.”
He highlighted that the University “contributes to the protection and development of human dignity and cultural heritage.”
Regarding research, Sánchez underlined the importance of fostering a dialogue between faith and reason, describing it as both an ethical commitment and a theological perspective.
Addressing the institution’s relationship with the wider world, he remarked, “[The University] is called to be an instrument of cultural progress, courageous in voicing uncomfortable truths, but always striving to safeguard society’s genuine welfare.”
As for teaching, he added, “We are inspired by the Christian spirit of service to others and the promotion of social justice—values that must be embodied by professors and instilled in students alike.”
Leadership, Dialogue, and Collaboration in Latin America
The UMEC-WUCT 2024 Congress focused on strengthening the identity and mission of Catholic educators, equipping them with tools to integrate values into their educational projects while addressing social challenges from an ethical and Christian perspective.
The congress sought to:
- Promote values-based education as a cornerstone for the holistic development of students and future leaders.
- Foster leadership within the educational community through continuous training and the development of skills in emotional education and resilience.
- Encourage dialogue among institutions and professionals in Catholic education to build robust support and collaboration networks across Latin America.
The conclusions drawn from the UMEC-WUCT 2024 Congress will be shared through support and collaboration networks among educators in Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. These networks aim to continue the conversations and insights generated during the congress.
Local organizers, including Colegio San Patricio de Chiguayante and Corporación Liderazgo y Calidad Educacional, plan to continue this work by providing training, guidance, and resources to ensure the congress’s goals and lessons are reflected in ongoing educational practices.
