Quezon City – The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), through the National Christian Formation Commission (NCFC), successfully conducted CEAP Special Learning Session #37, Magnifica Humanitas: A Call to Celebrate and Protect Our Humanity.
The session gathered participants from CEAP member-schools nationwide, as well as educators and representatives from schools outside the CEAP network, to reflect on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Catholic education.
In his welcome message, Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, CEAP Executive Director, emphasized the importance of engaging with emerging technologies through the lens of the Church’s mission, encouraging educators to remain faithful to the work of forming persons rooted in faith, wisdom, and human dignity.
Serving as the resource speaker, Fr. Raymond Joseph L. Arre presented the key insights of Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which calls on humanity to embrace technological advancement while ensuring that it always serves the dignity of the human person and the common good. He underscored the complementary roles of schools and families: schools teach learners how to use technology, while families must help them understand why and when it should be used.
Drawing from the encyclical, Fr. Raymond discussed the practical challenges AI poses in homes and schools, including distraction and shortened attention spans, dependence on AI, declining critical thinking and creativity, academic dishonesty, weakened family relationships, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful online content, mental health concerns, and the tendency to value achievement over the inherent dignity of the person. He also shared practical strategies for parents and educators, such as establishing screen-free time, encouraging reading and reflection, fostering critical thinking, promoting honesty, and creating opportunities for authentic human interaction.
The session was enriched by reflections from invited commenters representing students, parents, and educators. Mr. Alvin Padin, a Grade 12 student representative from Dominican High School, shared his school’s initiatives on digital safety, AI literacy, and student-led digital wellness programs. Ms. Ma. Catleya Ting-Garza, parent commenter from La Salle Green Hills, highlighted the importance of forming children in compassion, faith, and authentic relationships. Meanwhile, Mr. Simonet Barrosa, faculty member of Universidad de Sta. Isabel de Naga, Inc., emphasized the need to nurture critical thinking and meaningful dialogue in the classroom.
The session was a timely reminder that while technology continues to transform society, it must always remain at the service of the human person. The true measure of innovation is not how intelligent machines become, but how faithfully humanity preserves truth, freedom, compassion, and authentic relationships amid rapid technological change.
