CBCI President calls for value-based education, human dignity, academic excellence and social responsibility as Xavier Board celebrates 75 years of service
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
PALAI, November 6: Catholic educational institutions must remain rooted in Christ, uphold human dignity and produce graduates committed to serving society, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Poola, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad, has said.
Delivering the homily during the Holy Eucharist marking the Platinum Jubilee of the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India (XBHEI), Cardinal Poola emphasised that the true purpose of Catholic higher education goes beyond academic achievements, professional qualifications and institutional recognition. Its ultimate responsibility is to form responsible, compassionate, ethical and morally mature individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the Church, the nation and humanity.
Reflecting on the theme “Rooted in Christ and Growing in Grace,” the Cardinal described the 75-year milestone as an occasion for gratitude, remembrance and renewal. He acknowledged the vision of the founders, the dedication of successive leaders and the commitment of Catholic educational institutions that have shaped generations of young people.
The Platinum Jubilee celebrations, being held from November 6 to 8, 2026, at St. Joseph’s College of Engineering and Technology (SJCET), Palai, bring together Church leaders, educationists, academic administrators and representatives of Catholic higher educational institutions from across India. Welcoming the members of the Xavier Board, Cardinal Poola expressed his happiness at participating in the Eucharistic celebration and appreciated their benevolence, commitment and willingness to work together under the umbrella of the CBCI Commission for Education and Culture.
Recalling his association with the Xavier Board, he spoke of his initial acquaintance with its activities following his elevation as Bishop in 2008. His understanding of the organisation and its educational mission gradually deepened through his interactions with its leadership, particularly following the election of Joji as its President and during the leadership of Archbishop Elias. He expressed appreciation for the Board’s continued efforts to strengthen Catholic higher education in India.
Every student is precious in God’s eyes
Drawing inspiration from the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, Cardinal Poola highlighted God’s reassuring words: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” He particularly emphasised the divine assurance: “You are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you.” Describing these words as especially significant for the educational mission of the Church, he said that every student is precious, irrespective of caste, religion, language, gender or economic background.
A genuinely Christian educational institution, he observed, must recognise the dignity, talents and potential of every individual, particularly those who have been denied opportunities or pushed to the margins of society. The history of Catholic higher education in India, he noted, has witnessed numerous challenges, including limited resources, social inequalities, political developments, educational reforms and emerging technological demands. Yet, through all these circumstances, God has continued to accompany the educational mission.
The achievements of Catholic educational institutions, he said, are not merely the results of human intelligence, institutional efficiency or organisational strength. They are also expressions of divine providence working through generous hearts, committed leaders, dedicated teachers and faithful communities. He called upon educational institutions to create environments in which every student feels welcomed, respected, encouraged and empowered to realise his or her full potential.
Christ must remain the foundation of Catholic education
Reflecting on the second reading and the teachings of St. Paul, Cardinal Poola emphasised that Jesus Christ must remain the foundation of every Catholic educational institution. While acknowledging the Xavier Board’s contribution to academic excellence and institutional collaboration over the past 75 years, he cautioned that rankings, infrastructure, institutional reputation and professional achievements should never become the ultimate purpose of education. “Christ must remain at the centre of Catholic education,” he stressed.
He clarified that placing Christ at the centre does not diminish intellectual freedom, scientific inquiry or academic excellence. Rather, Christian faith provides knowledge with a deeper moral and spiritual direction. Knowledge must serve truth, research must respect human dignity, and professional success must contribute to the common good.
Referring to St. Paul’s reminder that the human person is God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells within, Cardinal Poola said that the ultimate purpose of education is not merely to construct impressive campuses or produce academically successful graduates. It is to form responsible, compassionate, ethical and morally mature human beings. He emphasised that educational institutions must prepare young people not only to earn a living but also to lead meaningful lives and make a positive difference in society.
Educational institutions must remain united with Christ to bear fruit
Turning to the Gospel passage on the vine and the branches, Cardinal Poola reflected on Jesus’ words: “I am the vine, you are the branches.” He described this imagery as particularly relevant to the Xavier Board and its member institutions. Each institution, he observed, has its own identity, history, traditions and educational strengths. Yet all share a common Christian inspiration and commitment. Like branches connected to one vine, Catholic educational institutions draw their spiritual strength and sense of purpose from Christ. Jesus reminds us that fruitfulness comes from remaining united with Him. Therefore, institutions must remain deeply rooted in prayer, faith, ethical responsibility and service.
The Cardinal challenged Catholic educational institutions to look beyond conventional measures of success and examine the kind of graduates they are producing. Along with academic excellence, research, innovation, technological advancement and professional competence, institutions must cultivate critical thinking, integrity, compassion, respect for human dignity, social responsibility and a willingness to serve the poor and marginalised.
These, he said, are the lasting fruits of Christian education.
Preparing young people for India@2047
Looking towards India’s centenary of independence in 2047, Cardinal Poola highlighted the significant responsibility of Catholic educational institutions in shaping the nation’s future. He called for an educational vision that combines technological advancement with ethical wisdom, economic development with social inclusion, and professional achievement with a commitment to humanity. As India moves towards 2047, Catholic institutions have an important role in preparing young people who can contribute to national development while upholding human values and social responsibility.
The country needs not merely skilled professionals but responsible citizens, enlightened leaders and compassionate individuals capable of addressing the challenges of an increasingly complex world. In this context, he stressed that education must help young people discover their talents, develop their abilities and recognise their responsibility towards society.
Education must be rooted in love and lead to joy
Drawing further inspiration from the Gospel, Cardinal Poola recalled Jesus’ words: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.” He also highlighted Christ’s promise: “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
These words, he said, remind us that education must ultimately be an experience of love, growth and fulfilment. Students must experience themselves as valued individuals. They must be encouraged to discover their gifts, develop their talents, overcome their limitations and recognise their responsibility towards others.
The success of an educational institution, he observed, cannot be measured solely by examination results, academic rankings or the professional positions occupied by its alumni. Its real success lies in the kind of human beings it forms and the positive difference they make in society. Education becomes truly fruitful when young people grow in knowledge, character, integrity, compassion and a willingness to serve others.
Platinum Jubilee: A moment of gratitude and renewal
Concluding his homily, Cardinal Poola described the Platinum Jubilee as an occasion not merely to celebrate past achievements but also to renew the collective commitment to the future of Catholic higher education.
He called for gratitude to God for 75 years of faithful service and remembered with appreciation the founders, former presidents, office-bearers, administrators, educators and countless individuals whose dedication has sustained the Xavier Board throughout its journey. He encouraged the organisation to remain attentive to emerging educational challenges, strengthen collaboration among Catholic higher educational institutions and remain particularly committed to those who need educational opportunities the most.
The Cardinal expressed the hope that the Xavier Board would continue to promote academic excellence, preserve its Christian identity and contribute to the transformation of society through education. He concluded by praying that Christ, the true vine, would nourish every institution represented at the celebration and that the educational mission of the Xavier Board would continue to bear abundant and lasting fruit in the Church, the nation and the lives of generations to come.
