Members of Regnum Christi’s international network of schools recently met at Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid, Spain to share ideas and chart a path for how schools can evangelize.
Vero Fernández, who oversees Regnum Christi Schools globally, explained the theme: ”“Reflecting and sharing how to live the Catholic identity and the evangelizing mission in Regnum Christi schools.”
Representatives of campus ministry from all territories attended the meeting. The goal was, as Vero explained, “to clarify what we understand as evangelizing according to the Magisterium and what our school ideology is.” In addition, different territories shared best practices regarding students, teachers and the curriculum.
Among the participants were Jorge López, Delegate of the General Director of Regnum Christi for Education, those responsible for campus ministry in each territory, delegates from several schools, and the director of Mano Amiga schools which provide education for underpriviledged children.
It was the first time that those responsible for campus ministry met in this way. Now, they foresee an international meeting every two years.
Jorge López, general director of the Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi , gave a presentation titled: “Campus Ministry and evangelization in an RC school.” He presented the RC Education methodology and some magisterial documents that were used as sources.
For her part, Vero Fernández gave a presentation analyzing who campus ministry is aimed at. In this session, she presented some reflections on evangelization as fruit of the recent Synod of Bishops and other ecclesial documents. Her objective was not so much to explain what campus ministry is, but rather how “our children, adolescents, teachers and families” are the main recipients of evangelization in Regnum Christi schools.
During the second day, various best practices were presented, including Fr. Juan Antonio Granados‘ presentation on his work in evangelizing as director of the Stella Maris school in Madrid.
Announce Christ and make him present as someone who is alive
Among those present was Ignacio Hüe, Director of the School Development Center, in the Faculty of Education, Psychology and Family, of the Finis Terrae University in Chile. Ignacio answered some questions to show us the perception they have in their country about evangelization in Regnum Christi schools.
What did you get out of the Regnum Christi schoola meeting held last week?
Ignacio: In my case, the meeting was very meaningful in order to learn about the pastoral and formative lines of some of the Network’s territories and schools, along with meeting with several people linked to each of these experiences. Besides that, I was able to understand the project more deeply, and the challenges that we have as Regnum Christi schools in the world we live in and evangelize in.
In your opinion, what should characterize evangelization in an RC school? Who benefits from campus ministry and evangelization in our schools?
Ignacio: I think what should characterize evangelization in an RC school is the announcement of Christ and making him present, not as an idea or a theory, but as someone alive, who knows me and loves me intimately, is interested in me and saves me despite my imperfections. In this sense, I believe that evangelization should be a meeting between people who have in common a search and an encounter with Christ. Therefore, I think that the people who benefit from campus ministry and evangelization are all members of the educational community, without exception.
In Chile, and knowing the experiences that exist in other places, what characterizes evangelization and campus ministry in the schools?
Ignacio: I think that what characterizes evangelization and campus ministry in RC schools of the territory [of Chile] is the good relationship that exists between the schools’ campus ministry, Regnum Christi sections, and ECYD. I also see a desire to rethink current forms of evangelization in order to be up to the challenges imposed by the change of culture we are experiencing. I think working with alumni is also very positive. Maybe it is too early to comment on this, but perhaps work can be improved around the pastoral plans of the schools.
You can read the original on the Regnum Christi site in Spanish.
