Pope Francis blesses a young student during his visit to Bahrain in November 2022 (Vatican Media)
By Devin Watkins
Nov 10 2023
Pope Francis sends a message to the 4th Global Symposium Uniservitate in Manila, and calls for education to instill a harmony between learning, feelings, and service.
The De La Salle University in the Philippine capital of Manila held an international conference on Nov 8-9, bringing together experts and university students to explore various aspects of service-learning.
The IV Global Symposium Uniservitate was held in collaboration with the Australian Catholic University, and drew inspiration from the Global Compact on Education launched by Pope Francis.
The Pope sent a letter of encouragement and gratitude, which was read out at the event on Thursday.
Service-learning
In his message, Pope Francis noted that the Symposium brought together rectors, professors, and university students with the goal of sharing their experiences and research in the field of service-learning.
He expressed his hope that the event might instill in young people a “greater awareness of the relationship that should exist between the ‘languages’ of the mind, the heart, and the hands.”
“In this way, educators can form—and not simply inform—those entrusted to their care, so that all can learn to think in harmony with what they feel and do; feel in harmony with what they think and do and do it in harmony with what they feel and think,” he explained.
Integral education and spirituality
Pope Francis advocated for an integral approach to education, so that young people can become leaders in building a better future for our global society.
He also recalled the importance of the spiritual dimension in education.
“I trust that the efforts of the Symposium,” he said, “will enhance the zeal of all taking part to serve the common good as missionary disciples, capable of bringing the transformative truth, beauty and joy of the Gospel to all in the human family, thus advancing God’s kingdom of fraternal solidarity, justice and peace.”
In conclusion, the Pope assured Symposium participants of his prayers and encouraged their continued work in education with his Apostolic Blessing. – Vatican News
