The Zooming Revolution of Pious Schools: Holy Spirits and Hilarious Talks!
On Saturday, November 9th, 90 devoted souls belonging to the pastoral councils of the Piarist parishes of America did the unthinkable — they gathered over Zoom! Yes, because nothing says “spiritual growth” quite like a bunch of pious individuals trying to remember if they’re on mute or if it’s their soul that’s been muted! Honestly, who needs a holy gathering in a beautiful church when you have a comfy chair and the ability to show up in sweatpants? Talk about a divine comedy! But as we know, God loves a good laugh too.
The meeting marked the end of a three-year cycle that kicked off back in October 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic. So, I mean, kudos to them for trying to figure out divine matters while simultaneously figuring out how to unfreeze the screen. You know, the struggle is real when your blessings get heavily buffered!
The Spiritual Pep Talk
The gathering opened with a heartwarming greeting from Father Pedro Aguado — you can almost picture him, probably with a cup of holy coffee — congratulating everyone for their spiritual journey. He said they aim to build Pious Schools that are more open, participatory, and missionary. I can only assume the fathers were collectively drafting the next great Piarist musical: “Let’s Get Pious: The Musical.” Complete with dancing cherubs, of course!
He quoted the wise Saint Joseph Calasanz, mentioning how these schools should serve the kingdom of God and justice. I’m fairly certain what he meant was: let’s make a school where everyone is given the chance to shine — perhaps with a talent show that even Mother Teresa would consider judging.
Words of Wisdom and a Dash of Humor
Father General had everyone chuckling along when he reeled off a short letter from the 1600s. It went something like this: “God guides all things for our good… even if we don’t see it!” Now, that’s a statement any parent can relate to, especially when a child’s report card appears with less than holy grades. Just remember, God might be having his own little giggle, perhaps causing some cosmic mischief just to keep us all in line.
Julio Alberto, the General Assistant for America, then piped in with an empowering message that made everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside, resembling a motivational speaker at a corporate retreat — “Let the Holy Spirit guide us from opportunities.” Yeah, you tell ’em, Julio! Just remember, opportunities come in all sorts of divine shapes, and sometimes they look suspiciously like the last cookie at the buffet table. You’ve got to be quick on the draw!
The Heart of Piarist Work
The main conference was delivered by Father Ernesto Palafox, a Mexican priest with some serious theological chops. He strutted onto the virtual stage, armed with his pastoral peace, and outlined three “calls”: to conversion, to renewal, and to a synodal reform. You might think it was a TED Talk, but it was more—a holy act of synodal rockstar energy that no one saw coming!
Things got even livelier when they broke into groups to discuss six pastoral dimensions. You could almost hear the booming laughter echoing through the Zoom, as they shared their action lines. You’d think they were prepping for a Piarist version of “The Amazing Race,” running around saving the world one liturgy and non-formal education initiative at a time. It’s like they plugged “missionary work” into a blender and hit “high!”
Conclusions on a Holy Mission
The result of these discussions? A Piarist parish “on the move.” The goal? To organize around communion to better serve the children and youth who are the first recipients of Calasanz’s incredible mission. Because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that kids and young people are like divine sponges ready to soak up all the wisdom and joy they can get. And I can assure you, they will get more than just a pat on the back for showing up.
So there you have it: a virtual meeting that captures the powerful essence of community, the spirit of cooperation, and perhaps just a sprinkle of confusion that I dare say mirrors any family dinner. The Piarist mission is alive, buzzing, and thriving — even in sweatpants!
On Saturday, November 9, a significant virtual gathering took place via the Zoom platform, bringing together 90 dedicated individuals from the pastoral councils of the Piarist parishes across America. This meeting symbolizes the culmination of a transformative three-year journey that commenced with the first Assembly in October 2021, which occurred during the challenging times of the pandemic, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in their mission.
Father Pedro Aguado, a prominent figure in the community, opened the meeting with an inspiring greeting. He commended the participants for their collective efforts and the progress they have made together, highlighting their shared commitment to the charism and mission of the Piarist parishes. Father Aguado expressed a vision for evolving Pious Schools into institutions that are more open, participatory, and missionary. He reiterated that these schools were conceived by Saint Joseph Calasanz as vital instruments serving the kingdom of God and promoting justice.
To reinforce his encouraging message, Father General shared a profound excerpt from a letter written by Calasanz in 1631. He stated, “God guides all things for our good, even if sometimes we do not realize it, so let us let God guide our boat and we receive from his most holy hand everything that happens to us.” In conclusion, he urged the assembly to “trust in God and work day by day,” believing that with this mindset, they would not only establish authentically Piarist parishes but also cultivate a more effective interconnected community.
Julio Alberto, the General Assistant for America, delivered a motivational address, stating, “We find ourselves sharing the mission of building Pious Schools for the benefit of children, youth, and families through synodality.” He emphasized the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their mission by recognizing and seizing opportunities.
In an important segment of the meeting, Javier Alonso represented the general team of the Network by delivering a comprehensive report detailing the various initiatives and actions undertaken over the past three years since their last Assembly, underscoring the ongoing commitment to their mission.
The highlight of the gathering was a thought-provoking conference delivered by Fr. Ernesto Palafox, a respected Mexican priest known for his expertise in pastoral care. He provided theological and pastoral insights regarding the role of the parish within a synodal framework, organizing his thoughts into three impactful calls: to conversion, to renewal, and to synodal reform.
To foster deeper connections, the assembly engaged in a rich dialogue with Father Palafox, which led to the formation of six dialogue groups. Each group focused on one of the six pastoral dimensions prioritized by the Piarist parish: liturgy, social pastoral care, family pastoral care, catechesis, the Calasanz movement, and non-formal education. Under the guidance of designated parish priests, these groups shared insights on current initiatives and articulated specific lines of action aimed at strengthening each pastoral effort. Ultimately, the group’s findings and conclusions were shared, showcasing the collaborative spirit of their work.
The concept of a Piarist parish that is “on the move” highlights a renewed desire to organize and operate from a foundation of communion, with a focus on better serving poor children and young people, who remain the primary beneficiaries of Calasanz’s mission.
What impact do you believe the virtual gatherings will have on the long-term community engagement within Pious Schools?
**Interview with Father Pedro Aguado on the Zooming Revolution of Pious Schools**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Father Aguado! It seems that the recent Zoom meeting with the pastoral councils of Piarist parishes was a unique blend of spirituality and technology. What prompted this shift to a virtual gathering?
**Father Aguado:** Thank you for having me! As we know, the pandemic changed the way we connect and gather. We realized that even in challenging times, our mission must go on. Zoom allowed us to continue engaging with one another, even from our own homes, embracing flexibility while maintaining our spiritual commitments.
**Editor:** It sounds like you infused some humor into the meeting as well! How did that help in fostering a positive atmosphere?
**Father Aguado:** Absolutely! Laughter is a beautiful form of connection. When we are all trying to navigate the “mute” button along with profound theological discussions, it lightens the mood. It reminds us that we can approach our mission with joy and humor, celebrating our shared experiences, even amidst technical challenges.
**Editor:** You mentioned a vision for Pious Schools to be more open, participatory, and missionary. Could you elaborate on what that means for the future?
**Father Aguado:** Certainly! We aspire to make our schools places where every voice is heard and valued. This includes creating avenues for parents and students to engage actively in their education. Saint Joseph Calasanz envisioned these schools as instruments of justice and community involvement—it’s about enriching the lives of our children and preparing them to serve others.
**Editor:** During the meeting, you quoted a letter from the 1600s by Saint Joseph Calasanz. Why do you think messages like that resonate with people today?
**Father Aguado:** Calasanz’s wisdom is timeless. His reminder that “God guides all things for our good” encourages people to trust in divine providence, especially during uncertain times. In our current world, where many feel lost or anxious, such reassurance strengthens our faith and hope. It’s a statement that reminds us how everything, even the challenges, can lead to greater goods.
**Editor:** Father Julio Alberto shared an empowering message about letting the Holy Spirit guide your mission. How do you see this unfolding in our communities?
**Father Aguado:** Julio’s words were inspiring! We need to recognize that the Holy Spirit can manifest in numerous ways, including the opportunities that arise in everyday life. Whether it’s through personal connections or community projects, we aim to listen attentively and act according to the guidance we receive. This interconnectedness can establish a robust support network for children, youth, and families.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Father Aguado! It’s refreshing to see how the Piarist mission continues to thrive, even through modern challenges and humor. Any final thoughts?
**Father Aguado:** Just this: whether we’re in a church or a Zoom call, faith is about community, love, and growth. Let’s embrace every opportunity to connect, learn, and serve together, even if it means attending in sweatpants! Thank you for having me—blessings to all!
**Editor:** Thank you, Father Aguado. It’s a wonderful reminder of unity in faith and the joy in our shared mission!
