As we celebrate this Jubilee for the World of Education and mark the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis, we heed the call of Pope Leo XIV to enter a new season of Catholic education—one that unites knowledge and meaning, competence and responsibility, faith and life. In his apostolic letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, the Holy Father reminds us that Catholic schools are not merely institutions, but true educational communities where the dignity of each child of God is honored and nurtured.

In a rapidly changing world, our mission is not only to preserve but to relaunch—to engage the hearts and minds of young people so that they may bring Christ’s light to every corner of society. Education, as Pope Leo writes, is the new name for peace and the way we place hope on the map of the present and the future.

We are especially proud that our deputy superintendent, BriAna Pechin, and our associate superintendent for Catholic Identity and Secondary Schools, Linda Dougherty, are representing the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York as part of the official delegation from the Catholic Church in the United States at this historic celebration in Rome. We join in prayer for them and for all educators worldwide who share in this sacred mission.

Together, we recommit ourselves to forming young people of faith, intellect, and integrity—disciples who will draw new maps of hope for generations to come.

Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York