"Places characterised by a strong pluralism" but with "a clear-cut identity" that "respect individuals and their freedom" but "largely" contribute to teach "the young how to exercise it." These are for Mgr Vincent Nicholas, President of the Commission of Catechesis, School and University of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), some of the characteristic features of European Catholic Schools that, depending on their country, must face "political, ecclesiastic, financial and identity challenges." Speaking this morning at the end of the European Congress of Catholic Schools organised by CCEE and the European Committee for Catholic Education (CEEC) in Rome on the theme "Catholic Schools in the European Public Arena," Mgr Nicholas pointed out that nowadays "catholic schools are fighting to keep their commitment to guard the fundamental truth of Christ" and "the substantial unity of didactics," but are also "a culture medium of solidarity." "I believe the best of these schools, which are expressions of the Church’s mission in Europe, have a lesson to teach to the rest of the Church," he added. (continued) ” ” ” “
