Moreau's Philosophy of Education

The following offers insight into Fr. Moreau's philosophy of education:

1. Jesus Christ: the Model

“Since the zeal of these teachers is guided by love, they do everything with strength and gentleness: with strength because they are courageous and unshakeable in the midst of any difficulties they face; with gentleness because they are tender and compassionate like Jesus Christ, the model of all teachers, who loved to be bothered by young people.” (Christian Pedagogy, 5)

2. The Art of Education

“It is very important that educators in our schools be trained in the art of education before trying to exercise the skill.”  (Christian Pedagogy, 3)

3. A Work of Resurrection

“Hurry then; take up this work of resurrection, never forgetting that the special end of your institute is, before all, to sanctify youth.” (Christian Pedagogy, 16)

4. A Work of Formation

“Pedagogy derives from two Greek words—that for child and that for leading.  It is the art of helping young people to completeness.”  (Christian Pedagogy, 3)

5. The Vocation to Teach

“Since God alone provides the means for the successful accomplishment of any task, it seems evident that a person needs to be called by God to be an effective teacher.  Without this call to teaching, how will anyone be able to put up with everything that teachers face daily?” (Christian Pedagogy, 4)

6. Education of the Mind and the Heart

“We shall always put education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” (Circular Letter, 36)

7. Academic Excellence

“We can say in a word the kind of teaching we hope to impart.  Even though we base our philosophy course on the data of faith, no one needs fear that we shall confine our teaching within narrow and unscientific boundaries.  No, we wish to accept science without prejudice and in a manner adapted to the needs of our times.  We do not want our students to be ignorant of anything they should know.  To this end we shall shrink from no sacrifice.” (Circular Letter, 36)

8. Education into Justice

“With the eyes of faith consider the greatness of the mission and the wonderful amount of good that one can accomplish.  And also consider the great reward promised to those who have taught the truth to others and have helped form them into justice: “They will shine eternally in the skies like the stars of the heavens.” (Christian Pedagogy, 9)

9. A Working Knowledge of Each Student

“Never forget that all teaching lies in the best approach to an individual student, that all the successes you find will be in direct proportion to the efforts you have made in this area.” (Christian Pedagogy, 10)

10. Preference for the Student Who is Most in Need

“If at times you show preference to any young person, it should be the poor, those who have no one else to show them preference, those who have the least knowledge, those who lack skills and talent, and those who are not Catholic or Christian.” (Christian Pedagogy, 5)

11. Good Citizens for Earth and Heaven

“While we prepare useful citizens for society, we will likewise do our utmost to prepare citizens for heaven.” (Circular Letter, 36)