More than 500 Catholic educators, students, diocesan leaders, and civic officials gathered in northeastern Thailand on Aug. 22 to mark a decade of efforts to integrate moral formation into Catholic education.
The 5th Morality Assembly of the Catholic Schools Moral Network was held at Ave Maria School in Ubon Ratchathani under the theme, “1 Decade of the Catholic Schools Moral Network for Sustainable Coexistence.”
Bishop Stephen Boonlert Phromsena of Ubon Ratchathani and Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut of Nakhon Ratchasima co-chaired the gathering, which brought together representatives from 31 Catholic institutions.
Suriyadeo Tripathi, director of the Center for Morality Promotion, told participants that moral education must be reflected in the conduct of adults and not confined to classroom instruction.
“Morality must come from action, not just from teaching,” Tripathi said, adding that moral development cannot simply be a set of activities dictated by adults and passed down to children.
“It requires creating sacred spaces for authentic listening, honest questioning, and shared action,” Tripathi said.
He warned that children can become confused when lessons about values are contradicted by the behavior they see from adults.
“If children are taught honesty, kindness, and generosity, but witness adults practicing the opposite, confusion inevitably arises regarding the true nature of virtue,” he said.
The assembly featured a panel discussion and an exhibition of 18 model school booths showcasing programs developed by participating Catholic schools.
Three schools presented initiatives recognized as best practices in integrating moral formation into everyday school life.
Ave Maria School in Ubon Ratchathani presented its “3S PLUS² MODEL,” which focuses on student well-being and character formation.
Marie Pitak School in Buriram showcased its “Marie Children Have Savings” project, which promotes financial stewardship and delayed gratification among students.
Ave Maria School in Amnat Charoen presented “Good Waste Generates Income, Creating Value for Society,” an initiative linking waste management with social welfare.
The gathering concluded with the presentation of the Catholic Moral Awards 2026, which recognized individuals and institutions for their contributions to moral formation.
Network leaders also signed a declaration of commitment before formally passing the network flag to St. Joseph School in the Archdiocese of Tharae-Nong Saeng, which will host the 6th Morality Assembly.
Reflecting on his eight years leading the Center for Morality Promotion, Tripathi urged educators to recognize the role of conscience in building peaceful communities.
“In any nation where citizens possess an upright conscience, true peace and prosperity prevail even without an abundance of laws,” he said.
“Conversely, where conscience is absent, no amount of legislation can secure human flourishing,” he added.
