The art of teaching: Faith and knowledge as tools for transformation

A day to celebrate the value of education

Every year on October 5th, the world pauses to celebrate teachers and their invaluable role in shaping future generations. Teaching is not merely the transmission of knowledge; it is a deeply human act that molds both individuals and communities. As Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, once said: “Educating the young is perhaps the clearest expression of participation in God’s creative work.”

Education in the Jesuit tradition

From the perspective of the Society of Jesus, this day takes on a special meaning. Ignatian pedagogy regards education as a fundamental instrument of social transformation, capable of uniting knowledge and spirituality to form ‘men and women for and with others’.

Teaching as vocation and testimony

In the light of Ignatian spirituality, teaching is more than a profession: it is a true vocation of service. A teacher is not only called to impart skills but also to accompany students in their holistic growth, cultivating both intellectual and spiritual capacities.

Every lesson thus becomes an opportunity to educate for life, not merely for a subject. The teacher is a witness: through example and presence, they show that knowledge is a gift that finds meaning only when shared and placed at the service of others. The classroom becomes a space where learning turns into a search for meaning and truth, and where the deep desires dwelling within students and teachers intertwine with the daily experience of study.

Ignatian education as a school of life

At the heart of this mission lies cura personalis — care for the individual in their uniqueness. The Jesuit teacher is called to recognize and nurture each student’s talents, fostering their integral development.

Discernment, a cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality and Christian tradition, teaches us not to settle for immediate answers but to reflect, question, and orient our choices toward the greater good. In this way, the classroom becomes a true laboratory of life, where students learn to think, decide, and act responsibly.

Looking to the future

Teaching ultimately means generating hope. Every lesson, every educational relationship is an act of trust in the new generations and in the possibility of building a more humane and just future.

On World Teachers’ Day, we express our gratitude to all the women and men who, with daily dedication and educational passion, help students discover their talents and find their way through the complexity of the world.

Thanks to this profound bond between spirituality and knowledge, Ignatian education continues today to form people capable of making a difference and of building a future of responsibility and fraternity, with and for others.