The diocese welcomed more than 550 educators to downtown Columbus for the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE)’s 14th annual National Conference this year. Attendees traveled from as far as Australia and New Zealand.
The event, held July 14-17 at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, is offered to superintendents, principals and teachers in Catholic education. The three-day conference focuses on renewing dioceses and schools.
ICLE differs from common forms of education by seeking to separate from a secular model and reclaim Church tradition in the liberal arts and sciences.
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Liberal – from “liber” in Latin, meaning “free” – is an education model ordered to truth. It forms teachers and students to grow in faith, wisdom and virtue, finding freedom in Christ, the Truth.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome more than 550 Catholic educators to the Diocese of Columbus for the ICLE National Conference,” said Dr. Adam Dufault, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Columbus diocese.
“Catholic education is experiencing a remarkable renewal across the country, and it’s a joy to have Columbus serve as a gathering place for educators who are committed to forming students in the light of the Gospel and the rich tradition of faithful Catholic education. We hope our guests leave encouraged, inspired and eager to continue this important work.”
The ICLE conference offers several liturgical opportunities, including Holy Mass, praying the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Educators explore how a Catholic liberal education moves hearts and minds to Christ.
Danny Flynn, vice president of diocesan and school relations at ICLE, offered opening remarks on July 14. Flynn has served in education for more than 20 years.
“We’re pleased to gather here in the Diocese of Columbus with the wonderful hospitality of Bishop Earl Fernandes here in Columbus, who serves on our board of directors, as well as our close friend superintendent Dr. Adam Dufault and the entire diocesan team,” he said.
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Flynn shared that 60 percent of conference attendees were first-time guests, with several attendees traveling from various countries.
“We’re trying to grow more deeply in a shared calling to educate the young in the light of Jesus Christ,” he said. “This renewal is spreading not just across the country but around the globe.”
The opening day of the conference included a session of visio divina (meaning sacred or divine seeing). The form of prayer includes contemplating a piece of sacred art to encounter God.
Educators contemplated “The Calling of Saint Matthew” (1600), a scene depicted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The session was led by Derek Brooks, owner of Benedictus Art.
Attendees had 12 sub sessions to choose from in the afternoon. Each day of the conference includes various presentations and opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth.
Bishop Fernandes welcomed educators during an opening Holy Mass at Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral on July 14. The bishop also participated in a panel that evening discussing Catholic liberal education in the face of artificial intelligence.
The second day of the conference included a school leaders panel. Eric Pfeifer, principal at Delaware St. Mary School, which uses ICLE’s classical Catholic education model, was a member of the panel.
Educators can participate in a Holy Hour with opportunities for confession at St. Joseph Cathedral on July 15. Mass and Morning Prayer (part of Liturgy of the Hours) are offered at the cathedral each day of the conference.