Cardinal William Goh of Singapore encouraged Catholic educators to confidently introduce young people to Jesus, assuring them that doing so would provide students with passion, purpose, and meaning in life.
“When you give them Jesus, the young will have passion, purpose, joy, and meaning; they will be selfless and make a positive difference to society,” the cardinal said.
The prelate made the statement at the Commencement of School Year Mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Singapore.
Speaking to an audience of around 500 Catholic educators, school administrators, students, and parents, Cardinal Goh, who also leads the Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS), emphasized the critical role of educators in shaping young minds.
According to the official news site of the Catholic Church in Singapore, Cardinal Goh highlighted the struggles many young people face with low self-esteem, often due to constant comparison with their peers and a lack of awareness of their unique gifts.
“Educators play a crucial role in helping students uncover and develop their unique talents,” he said, emphasizing that gifted students must also recognize their abilities as tools for the greater good.
“We must humbly recognize that it is God who bestows upon us our abilities and talents, which we are meant to use in service to others,” he added.
He also distinguished Catholic education from secular institutions, stressing that it is not just about academic excellence but about helping students discover their identity as children of God.
“A young person’s relationship with God can lead to a transformative impact on their lives and society,” he said. “This connection encourages them to become passionate servant leaders contributing positively to society.”
During the ceremony, Cardinal Goh commissioned eight new Catholic school principals, all women, symbolically presenting each with a lighted candle representing Christ.
He encouraged them to uphold the values of truth, justice, freedom, and love in their leadership.
