Bishop praises spiritual dimension of Catholic schools

In a video message for Catholic Schools Day on May 28, Bishop John Adams spoke of his pride in Catholic schools, especially those in his diocese.

“I think Catholic Schools Day is a day to answer a certain question and that is: What distinguishes us as Catholic schools?” Bishop Adams said.

“In our Catholic schools,” he said, “I think we have the privilege of speaking about one of the defining aspects of human life – that’s the spiritual life, the interior life.

“And I would say being in a Catholic school is more beautiful because of that. We can traverse these big life questions. Yes, life has a meaning, life has a purpose, life has a direction beyond this world. That’s the truth of it.

“And when we’re able to share these beautiful things in our schools, I think we offer something incredibly good.”

Bishop Adams said he had worked in state and state-integrated Catholic schools as a teacher, and was not being triumphalist in comparing the two systems.

The bishop invited students in Catholic schools to make the best of being there, and he thanked parents who entrusted their children to the Church’s care through these schools.

He also expressed gratitude to those working in and leading Catholic schools, saying they are doing a fine job.

In a letter for Catholic Schools Day, Wellington Archbishop Paul Martin SM said that this year’s theme, “Shine like stars in the world – E tīaho ana koe hei rama i te ao”, “beautifully captures the call for each of our Catholic schools to be living witnesses of faith, hope and love in today’s world”.

Archbishop Martin wrote that Catholic Schools Day was an opportunity to reflect on the story of a school’s founding order or patron saint, and the way that school community lives out the Gospel today.

“These stories shine a light on the transforming power of faith – how Christian hope gives light in times of darkness, and how living the Gospel helps overcome injustice and brings forth the Reign of God,” he said.

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Video | Facebook (Facebook/Central Catholic)

Catholic Schools Day 2025 – New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO)