Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

As Catholic educators from around the world gathered in Rome for All Saints’ Day, Pope Leo XIV led a Eucharistic celebration at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the Jubilee of the World of Education. During this event, the Pope named St. John Henry Newman as a doctor of the Church and co-patron of Catholic education alongside St. Thomas Aquinas.

Pope Leo XIV addressed those assembled, stating that St. Newman’s legacy represents "the ultimate goal for Catholic educators as we form young people 'so that they may shine like stars in their full dignity.'"

Erika Wikstrom, who attended as part of the USA Official Delegation guided by the National Catholic Educational Association and Fordham Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education, reflected on her experience: “During the pilgrimage, I realized there could be no more fitting theme for those of us in education. At its best, education is an act of hope. Every lesson we teach and every moment we spend forming young hearts is a seed planted in trust so that God will bring it to fruition.”

The Jubilee was held within the larger context of the 2025 Holy Year themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” initiated by Pope Francis to encourage spiritual renewal through pilgrimages.

Wikstrom noted how technological changes present new challenges to society and emphasized drawing on St. Newman’s vision: “We should consider St. Newman’s vision for Catholic education as foundational and as a fountain of renewal and clarity.”

She also described her personal takeaways from interactions with other school leaders: “Leadership can sometimes feel lonely, and the tasks before us are many. During the pilgrimage, we found ourselves sharing our hopes, fears, and plans for the future with each other. We came to realize that we are not alone in this work.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and now includes 79 parishes, 11 missions, two basilicas, and 43 Catholic schools across several counties in Florida such as Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia (https://www.orlandodiocese.org/). The diocese is led by Bishop James Noonan.

Wikstrom concluded her account with a prayer: “Now that I am home my prayer is simple: that we continue to fan the flames of hope within our communities; that we support our teachers…that we encourage our families…And that we remain steadfast in the mission that brought us—quite literally—to the heart of Rome: to help every student ‘shine like a star in their full dignity.’”

“St. John Henry Newman pray for us.”