Mary, the Educator
As we begin the celebration of this Catholic Schools Week, I’m mindful of the powerful gift of education that I have received from so many in my life. First and foremost, I am most grateful to my parents for all they have taught me both by their words and the example of their lives.
Sr. Mary Ann Culpert with Notre Dame Academy students.
In the Gospel, we are told that Jesus grew in wisdom, age and grace before God and men. In his humanity, Jesus needed to learn just like the rest of us. Certainly, Mary and Joseph were primary educators in his life. Many of the parables and images Jesus used in his own teaching were likely ones he learned from Mary in his early years. It’s not hard to make the connection between the compassion and mercy Jesus showed to others and what he must have witnessed in Mary’s example.
As Sisters of Notre Dame, we look to Mary as a model educator. Our ministries of education are privileged ways for us to help others come to know the deep truth of God’s goodness and provident care. Perhaps you have been educated by one of our Sisters or perhaps you are a co-educator. Celebrate the great gift of Catholic education with us this week!
Thank you for this new initiative. Today we begin a very important commission at the UN – that of social development.
The theme this year is poverty eradication, so we are concentrating on systemic change that will bring those living in poverty to a more dignified life. We are promoting a “social protection floor” – that is providing education and health care to all. These days I often think of this as providing a concrete way of mediating God’s goodness – our charism.
All the best. to each of you.
I, too, thank you for this new initiative! May it be a wonderful way to share our charism and to open the discussion to others in the wider community as we reflect on God’s goodness and provident care, and our Marian identity.
Though I do not minister in a school, I am mindful of Catholic Schools Week and of all the educators that have been important to me along the journey that makes up my life. Today I minister in adult education at Sangre de Cristo Center and yesterday we began our 100th sabbatical session: an outreach to priests, brothers and sisters coming for renewal. Just as education at the elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels can be transformative, so too is this education for middle-aged and older adults. It is indeed education for LIFE: transformation into Christ! May Mary walk with us as our sister these 100 days!