CEAP National Convention 2026
From September 22–25, 2026, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) gathered Catholic educators, school leaders, and communities from across the country in Cebu for the CEAP National Convention 2026, centered on the theme “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope.”
The four-day Convention provided opportunities for Catholic educators and leaders to listen, learn, connect, and discern the path forward for Catholic education amid the changing realities of the present time.
Among the many activities, the Eucharistic celebrations and homilies offered meaningful opportunities for spiritual reflection, while the concurrent sessions explored different dimensions of newness in Catholic education. These included Newness in Formative Education, Newness in Pastoral Education, Newness in Skills Education, Newness in Global Education, Newness in Ecological Education, and Newness in Civic Education.
Together, these sessions presented Catholic education as a mission that must continually respond to emerging realities while remaining firmly rooted in its identity and purpose.
Homilies That Lingered
Among the many experiences throughout the Convention, the homilies were particularly meaningful and deeply moving. They offered moments that went beyond professional learning and invited educators to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper purpose of their vocation.
The messages were reminders of why gatherings such as this matter: they provide opportunities not only to learn new ideas but also to renew one’s faith, gratitude, and commitment to the mission of Catholic education.
The following reflections highlight the messages that particularly lingered and invited deeper reflection throughout the Convention.
The Opening Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Charlie M. Inzon, O.M.I., D.D., emphasized that the heart of Catholic education is a living relationship with Jesus and a genuine commitment to His mission. He affirmed that Catholic education must continually respond to changing realities while remaining firmly rooted in Christ, faith, and mission.
Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, D.D. opened his homily on the second day with the warm greeting, “Kumusta po kayo mga kagalang-galang at minamahal naming mga teachers?”, recognizing the struggles and sacrifices of educators and reminding them that teaching is more than a profession; it is a mission. His call to serve in loco Christi Magistri, in the place of Christ, the Teacher, challenged educators to allow Christ to be reflected in the way they teach, lead, listen, correct, encourage, and care for students.
The closing Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Most Rev. Alberto S. Uy, D.D., challenged Catholic educators to ask, “What time is it now?” and to respond to the realities faced by young people with wisdom, courage, creativity, and discernment. The call to make Catholic schools sanctuaries of hope and to “notice the child” emphasized the importance of seeing, listening to, and caring for every learner.
Charting a Constellation of Hope
Across the Convention, a common message emerged: Catholic education is a mission that must continually be renewed in Christ.
The image of a “constellation of hope” beautifully captured this shared mission. Like stars forming a constellation, each educator and institution contributes a unique light to the greater mission of Catholic education. Each has a distinct role to play, yet these individual lights become more meaningful when they shine together.
As the constellation continues to take shape, each light has a part to play in illuminating the way forward for Catholic education and in helping young people encounter Christ, our Rock, our Light, and our Hope.
IMAGES OF CEAP 2026:
By CESA MAY P. MAIDO
CEAP 2026 Participant, St. James’ Catholic High School, Inc.