https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6085-9904
From John Lydon, Editor, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, UK
International Studies in Catholic Education (ISCE) has recently published two Special Editions, Catholic Education in Latin America and Catholic Education in Sub-Saharan Africa. This third Special Edition focuses on Europe. There is an unfortunate image that Catholic Education in Europe is in a state of decline and the intention of the Special Edition is to produce evidence that, on the contrary, research will show that there are innovations, new thinking and new movements taking place (perhaps inspired by Pope Francis) which gives a more positive story. In addition, long-standing charisms, such as that of St John Bosco, remain impactful in maintaining and developing a distinctive education committed to a holistic perspective, a concept canonised in documents published by the Congregation for Catholic Education.
For these reasons, the Editorial Board of ISCE was happy to accept the proposal that Professor François Moog, recently appointed the first lay Rector of the Institut Catholique de Toulouse, be commissioned as Guest Editor of this Special Edition.
From François Moog, Guest Editor, Catholic University of Toulouse, France
It was in Europe that the first schools and universities were born, in the shadow of cathedrals and parish churches or within the walls of monasteries. And it is through the history of this practice that Catholic education was born, the same one that was diversified by the investment of many religious orders and that was propagated in the world by the missionaries. This educational project gave birth to modern schools and the Church can be proud of it.
However, it sometimes seems that Catholic education in Europe has run out of steam. But is this really the case? This special issue of the journal aims to counteract this negative impression.
Dr Guy Selderslagh, former head of the Secretariat of Catholic Schools in Europe, presents the lively diversity of Catholic schools in Europe that continue to inspire public schools. Dr Quentin Wodon, from UNESCO, shows that Catholic schools are still attractive and that this allows them to benefit from public funds in various ways that demonstrate their value. After this overview, I propose to explore the challenge that the secularisation of cultures and societies in Europe poses for Catholic schools, and how the Catholic school in France is equipping itself to meet this challenge. While Prof. Flavio Pajer, from the Salesianum in Rome, shows how religious education in European Catholic schools contributes to the formation of citizens and to honouring the social responsibility of Catholicism in Europe. Prof. John Lydon and Fr. James G. Briody then present how St John Bosco’s educational intuition can continue to be a source of inspiration for educational practice. Finally, Prof. Stephen McKinney, from the University of Glasgow, presents how the social doctrine of the Church can structure Catholic education in Europe, guarantee its identity and orient its mission.
From this overview, it appears that Catholic education in Europe has a bright future. However, it needs to be given the attention it deserves by public authorities, religious authorities (dioceses and religious orders) and researchers in Catholic education.