What makes a school Basilian?

What makes a school Basilian? Father John Huber, CSB explored this question in his presentation to the Detroit Catholic Central board on Saturday, February 11. This presentation was a part of the Basilian Network for Education and the New Evangelization (BNENE) initiative that strives to provide ongoing Christian formation for the leaders, faculty and staff of Basilian schools.

In his presentation, Father Huber shared how the Basilian charisms of education and evangelization create an intangible quality that is present in all Basilian schools. These charisms inspired the work of the Congregation’s founders and continue to guide Basilian ministries today. The presentation and subsequent discussion focused on the Basilian tradition and the Catholic nature of the school, and why these elements are needed as students have a very different experience of Church than alumni of previous years.

His presentation drew upon the work of Father Jack Gallagher’s, CSB research on the Basilian charism of education. “Today many of our students are not really evangelized. Their beliefs and values are products more of secular society than of home or Church. If we continue to teach Christianity in the way that was successful seventy years ago, we may find that our students simply are not buying it anymore,” stated Father Jack Gallagher, CSB.

As many of the board members are alumni, they were able to articulate how the values they learned as Catholic Central students inspired and guided them in their adult lives as businessmen, husbands, fathers and community leaders. To adapt to today’s reality, Father Huber explains how education can be a valuable instrument of evangelization that allows students to come to know Christ in the classroom.

Learn more

• Formation on Basilian Education Provided to School Administrators through BNENE
• BNENE Conference Brings Together Educators and Administrators in Common Mission