Saint Who?
Saints Who Established Schools
Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher sent by God (Jn 3:2). Jesus was a teacher, and taught his disciples to be teachers as well: Go and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). To instruct the ignorant has been a preeminent work of mercy since the days of the Apostles (see Acts 6:2). The Catholic Church has continued this work right up to the present day.
This month, as many are returning to school, we will ponder the lives of saints who established or led schools—from Hyacinthe Cormier, who started eminent schools of theology, to John Baptist de La Salle, who ministered to street children; from Angela Merici and her unique apostolate, to Elizabeth Ann Seton, who ran a school in her home. Some saints founded entire villages as means of education, like Roque González. All these men and women sought to cultivate the image of God in their fellow men, and ultimately to lead them to him who is Truth itself.
As Benedict XVI said, “First and foremost, every Catholic educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who, in Jesus Christ, reveals his transforming love and truth.” Through the intercession of the saints and Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, may Catholic schools be renewed in fervor and strength to accomplish this noble mission.
