More than 8,000 educators from over 120 Catholic schools across Thailand joined a national webinar on May 13 to mark the 25th World Day for Catholic Education.
The annual observance, established in 2002 by the International Office of Catholic Education (OIEC), highlights the role of Catholic schools in forming young people and promoting peace and human dignity.
Held 40 days after Easter, this year’s event was organized by the Catholic Education Council of Thailand (CECT) under the theme, “Catholic School Teachers in the Changing World, according to the Will of the Holy Father.”
The webinar also served as preparation for the opening of the new academic year on May 18.
Fr. Paul Eakarat Homprathum, CECT secretary-general, said the strong participation reflected the commitment of Catholic educators seeking renewed direction amid rapid social and technological change.
The Archdiocese of Bangkok accounted for nearly half of the participating schools. Religious congregations, including the Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres and the Brothers of Saint Gabriel de Montfort, were also widely represented.
The discussions drew from Gravissimum Educationis, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on Christian education, while addressing concerns over information overload, social fragmentation, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
Speakers highlighted three priorities for Catholic educators: creating space for silence and reflection, promoting ethical use of technology, and strengthening peace-building in schools and communities.
“For Saint Francis, the teacher is the one who encounters the light, shining that light into the hearts of the students, showing them the end of the tunnel—God’s will,” said Fr. Matthew Worawut Sangkharat, OFMCap.
Organizers linked the message to preparations for the Holy Year of Saint Francis of Assisi, which begins on Jan. 10, 2026. Teachers were encouraged to embrace the “Franciscan Spirit” marked by humility, simplicity, and peaceful leadership.
The webinar also focused on synodality and the importance of accompaniment in Catholic education.
Fr. Apisit Kritsaralam, C.Ss.R., reflected on the “Road to Emmaus” passage from the Gospel of Luke as an image of the shared journey of teachers and students.
He said educators are called not only to teach, but also to walk with students through dialogue, support, and mutual understanding.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Eakarat said Catholic schools must continue forming students beyond academic achievement by promoting honesty, discipline, service, justice, and respect for human dignity.
He also stressed the need for Catholic institutions to remain transparent, accountable, and committed to moral leadership.
Thailand’s Catholic education network currently includes 378 schools serving more than 460,000 students nationwide.
As the new school year approaches, the gathering underscored the Church’s continuing effort to form educators not only as instructors, but also as witnesses of faith and hope in society.
