The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) joined global Catholic education leaders in Rome for the Jubilee of the World of Education held from 27 October to 1 November 2025. Leading the Philippine delegation was Rev. Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, CEAP President, accompanied by Mr. Narcy Ador Dionisio, CEAP Executive Director, along with some other members of the CEAP national board and several representatives from the CEAP Superintendents Conference. Their participation highlighted CEAP’s commitment to strengthening international solidarity in the mission of Catholic education.
The Jubilee opened with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of the academic year for Roman universities and pontifical institutions. A major focus of the event was the 60th anniversary commemoration of Gravissimum Educationis, which included the revival of the Church’s Global Compact on Education and the release of new reflections for modern educational challenges.
CEAP delegates took part in the flagship international conference “Educational Constellations – A Pact with the Future” at the Auditorium della Conciliazione, gathering global networks to explore future-ready education rooted in human dignity and integral development. They also visited the Educational Village and the Constellations of Educational Networks, spaces where Catholic institutions worldwide exchanged innovations and strengthened partnerships.
Pilgrimage and encounter were central to the experience. Delegates joined the Papal Audience with students, where the Holy Father encouraged the youth to pursue truth and ensure technology remains a tool at the service of humanity, and a Papal Audience with educators, which concluded with a meaningful pilgrimage through the Holy Door.
The Jubilee culminated in a solemn Concluding Mass in St. Peter’s Square, during which Pope Leo XIV officially proclaimed Saint John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church, honoring his profound contributions to Catholic educational thought, and naming him co-patron of Catholic education.
CEAP returns to the Philippines inspired by this extraordinary global ecclesial event, carrying renewed hope, strengthened complementarity with the universal Church, and a deeper resolve to lead Filipino learners toward lives of conscience, service, and transformative leadership.