The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board began its celebration of Catholic Education Week with a system-wide Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church on May 5.
In his homily, His Excellency Bishop Wayne Lobsinger reflected on the meaning of the week’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope, reminding those gathered that a pilgrim is not a tourist, but one on a sacred journey — not to a place, but to a person: the Lord Jesus.
“Catholic education gives us the unique privilege of searching for the Lord in our lives and supporting others as they also search for the Lord in their lives... Hope is what allows us to continue to trust even when it would seem easier to give up,” said Bishop Lobsinger.
In offering greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairperson Patrick Daly commented on the significance of this year’s Catholic Education Week theme. He referenced the words of Pope Francis when he decreed 2025 as a Jubilee Year of Hope.
“Now the time has come for a new Jubilee, when once more, the Holy Door will be flung open to invite everyone to an intense experience of the love of God that awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ.”
“That’s indeed what we do in a particular way this week in the Catholic schools and administrative centres across our system,” Daly said. “We fling open the doors to celebrate and promote the precious gift of publicly funded Catholic education and invite others in our community to see the great things happening in Catholic Schools each and every day.”
He extended appreciation to His Excellency Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, Father Mark Gatto, and the Catholic Education Week Committee — for their faith-filled and dedicated service. “Your commitment to ‘place Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre’ of their learning experiences brings hope to our students, Church, and world.”
He offered words of gratitude to students — present at the Mass and the tens of thousands across the system. “You inspire us and make us proud every day.”
Director of Education David Hansen echoed the message of hope, offering words of thanks to staff and inspiration to students.
“To our staff — those present and those serving across our schools — you represent hope for your students and their families,” he said. “Through your vocation, you bring the mission and vision of our work to life.”
He commended students for their reverence at Mass and for their role in shaping a better world: “You are the hope that will transform our world. You have a collective power with a capacity that likely knows no limits — it’s the very definition of hope.”
Hansen reflected on the guidance of Pope Francis, who during his pontificate, “gave you the map on how to be that transformation.” He reminded students that the Holy Father called them to be wise caretakers of creation, to stand with the poor and vulnerable, and to put faith into action.
“A Pilgrim of Hope follows that road,” he said.
As the Mass concluded, Bishop Lobsinger blessed the plaques that will hang in each HWCDSB school as a symbol of this year’s pilgrimage of hope. “These plaques will remind us of our call to be pilgrims,” he said, “living each day in faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s goodness.”
The plaque features artwork by Anna Ngo, a Grade 8 student at St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School. Her design was selected from student submissions that reflected the theme Pilgrims of Hope. All participants will receive a certificate of recognition.
Catholic Education Week is celebrated annually in Ontario’s Catholic schools to recognize the gift of Catholic education and its mission to nurture faith-filled learning communities rooted in Gospel values. Activities throughout the week include school-based liturgies, acts of service, and special events that highlight student voice, Catholic identity, and community.
.jpg "CEW art plaque blessed by Bishop Lobsinger")
