Principals, teachers, seminarians, parents, priests, and students attended the event to learn about, “The Risk of Education,” a book about educating the whole person and helping students discover their destiny.  The author, Father Luigi Guissani, was an Italian educator who emphasized the importance of passing on traditions to help young people stay rooted in reality.

“Unfortunately, the fundamental relationship between educator and pupil is often reduced to a mere transmission of notions leaving little room for human relationships within which traditions are passed on,” said Cardinal Pierre.

“Educators and parents need to become an authority of traditions for the younger generation, to present the meaning of life with authority, not in a dogmatic and authoritarian manner, mainly by the power of their convictions. Always be ready to be challenged and to give the reasons for your faith, the reasons for your positions and convictions,” added Cardinal Pierre.

Holly Peterson, assistant superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Columbus said Father Guissani described authority as someone, “who helps us to grow.”

“If we meet somebody who clearly feels and understands our experience, our suffering, our needs, our expectations, we're naturally led to follow that person because an authority is attractive to us. He said authority generates a freshness, a wonder, a respect,” said Peterson.

She continued, “So it really means to encounter somebody who wakes me up, who wakes my heart up. And that's ultimately what a teacher is, right? That's what a parent is, and priests. Your job is to wake us up, to help us to grow.”

Audrey Merck, Theology Teacher at Jesuit High School was also on the educational panel. She shared her personal insights on Father Giussani’s teaching philosophy.

“In modern times, the culture tends to be what is educating our youth, or miseducating them.  Father Giussani says, ultimately, we need to provoke the students to verify what it is that we're teaching them,” said Merck.

“I ask my students to journal about their experiences and how it connects to what they are made for, in light of their purpose to know, love and serve God, to be with Him in love and happiness for eternity,” added Merck.

“I know it's not just about how well they're learning the things that I'm teaching them, content wise, and if they can pass my exams or not, that's all well and good. But are they living lives imbued with Christ for the rest of the 23 hours that they're living outside of my classroom?” Merck shared.

Mia Harris, a young adult who attends St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, attended the panel discussion because she is interested in pursuing a career in Catholic education.

“I'm hoping to develop my own philosophy as a teacher, and I'm hoping to learn from other teachers who are Catholic and figuring out the role of faith, Catholicism, and teaching. Hopefully that will help me to figure out my path,” said Harris.

To view photos from the event, click on the arrows below.