Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presides over the Closing Mass of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) National Convention 2026 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.
Amid rapid technological advancement and the rise of Artificial Intelligence, Archbishop Abet, in his homily, emphasized that Catholic education is called to go deeper in forming not only the minds of young people, but also their hearts and consciences.
“It is a time for Catholic education to become more Catholic,” the Archbishop emphasized.
He underscored that in an age when information is increasingly accessible, and technology continues to shape how young people learn and live, educators must teach students not only how to think, but how to discern.
Catholic education, he said, must offer something deeper: wisdom and an informed conscience.
“I suggest we should not limit values formation to religion or Christian Living classes. We keep those, but every subject should help form conscience,” Archbishop Abet said.
He likewise encouraged Catholic schools to create spaces where young people can encounter God amid the noise and demands of everyday life.
“Let us highly encourage our students to spend quality time with God, inside our school chapels or prayer rooms,” he said.
“Perhaps, my dear friends, one of the greatest gifts Catholic education can give this generation is the ability to say, ‘Before I click, before I share, before I follow the crowd, before I make a decision, let me ask what is true, what is right, and what is God asking me to do.’”
The Archbishop also called on Catholic schools to become sanctuaries of hope.
“It must be a place where every young person can find hope and experience being in love and cared for,” he said.
Above all, Archbishop Abet reminded educators that the heart of Catholic education is not simply academic excellence or preparation for future careers, but leading young people to an encounter with Christ.
“We can give them good academics or education. We can prepare them for prestigious universities and successful careers. But if ours is truly Catholic education, somewhere along the journey, they must encounter Jesus Christ,” he said.
Before the final blessing, the newly elected officers of CEAP took their oath of office.
As the convention comes to a close, we pray that the Catholic schools remain places where minds are formed, consciences are awakened, hope is nurtured, and young people are led closer to Jesus.