CHARISM Teaching Symposium

Grounded in Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, issued on October 28, the significance of the grounding cannot be overstated. It is an absolutely brilliant way to focus faculty and other colleagues as well as bond our communities 2025, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the conciliar declaration Gravissimum Educationis, this virtual CHARISM Teaching Symposium is conceived as a space for shared faculty formation and practical exchange. As the Pope notes, the letter seeks to revisit the enduring questions raised by Gravissimum Educationis and to respond to contemporary educational challenges by “drawing new maps of hope” for Catholic education.

A central emphasis of the letter is the call to renew teaching methodologies. Pope Leo XIV reminds us that technical updates alone are not sufficient; meaningful renewal requires educators who are willing to learn, adapt and discern. As he writes, “educators must be willing to learn and develop knowledge and be open to the renewal and updating of methodologies,” while also remaining open to spiritual and religious formation and sharing. Teaching, therefore, is not only a technical task but a formative responsibility that engages the whole person.

As Pope Leo XIV affirms, “The Catholic school is an environment in which faith, culture and life intertwine… a living environment in which the Christian vision permeates every discipline and every interaction.” For this reason, “the formation of teachers—scientific, pedagogic, cultural and spiritual—is decisive,” and educators’ witness carries the same weight as their instruction.

The symposium will highlight how faculty are translating this vision into renewed pedagogical practices that respond to contemporary educational challenges by strengthening cross-cultural collaborations and civic and ethical formation.