Bacolod Bishop-Emeritus Patricio Buzon, SDB, presides over the Eucharistic celebration on the second day of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) National Convention 2026, held at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.
In his homily, Bishop Buzon recognized the strength and dedication of Catholic educators who continue to show up and serve despite the many challenges they face, including inadequate salaries, demanding workloads, expanding social expectations, and deep financial insecurity.
Yet, he reminded the educators that they are not just teachers; they are Catholic teachers. Their vocation, he said, carries a special mission: to become God’s voice and presence not only in the classroom, but wherever their lives and witness may reach.
“Let us never forget that as Catholic teachers, we are called not only to take the place of parents but the place of Christ the Teacher himself,” Bishop Buzon said.
Beyond imparting knowledge, Catholic educators are called to form lives and to accompany young people toward truth, hope, and a deeper encounter with Christ.
In a profession that asks so much of them, Bishop Buzon’s reminder points back to the heart of their vocation: to teach not only with words, but with lives that lead others to Christ.