The 35th Educsi Conference on Education took place in Bilbao from July 10th to 12th. This gathering, which is held every two years, brought together the management teams of the Jesuit schools in Spain and Portugal at the University of Deusto.

One of the central discussions during the meeting was related to the mission and identity of Jesuit schools in the 21st century, having as inspiration Fr. Arrupe’s allocution of 1973, when he coined the phrase «Men for Others» (later known as «Persons for Others»).

The new Provincial of Spain, Enric Puiggròs, S.J., addressed the public, highlighting the identity of the Jesuit schools as Catholic, Christian, and holistic. He also proposed four key ideas to work in schools: Cura Personalis, work for justice, care for the common home, and faith formation.

Jose Mesa SJ, Secretary of Pre-secondary and Secondary Education of the Society of Jesus, shared an inspiring lecture on the living tradition of Jesuit education, emphasizing the renewal of the educational project of the Society of Jesus.

The event highlighted the importance of quality religious education and urged educators to invite students to an experience of faith that motivates them to change the world in a non-violent way.

In addition, topics such as sustainability and diversity were addressed, calling for the need of reaching out to the encounter with others and to work together as a network to achieve a consistent and updated Jesuit education.

The meeting closed with a general conviction that Jesuit education, guided by the spirit of Fr. Arrupe, has a fundamental role in forming citizens committed to building a more just and solidaire society.

Here is a video summary of the 35th Educsi Conference on Education. (This video is in Spanish)