| Calasanz Identity |
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Nowadays, the existence of education is considered as normal for citizens of the majority of nations. Saint Joseph of Calasanz and the first Escolapios began something unknown of in their time. They believed that society could only move forward if all its members, with no discrimination whatsoever, received education from the “tenderest age”. For this reason they initiated what is considered the first popular, free system of education. They dedicated themselves to the education of the needy young and to teaching them to become competent Christian citizens.
The Pious School, following Joseph of Calasanz’s philosophy, gives impetus to complete, plural, undiscriminating education to contribute to the reformation and transformation of society through the search for Truth and discernment of values, from faith and in the light of the Gospels, adapting to the reality of the time.
The dream of giving all children a Christian education continues in the present day. The Escolapios, both religious and laymen, follow Jesus Christ through teaching young people in America, Europe, Africa and Asia. We have been leaders in education for more than four centuries and today we are still concerned about children’s and young people’s dreams and ambitions.
“It is, therefore, the task of our Institute to teach children to read correctly, writing, mathematics and Latin, but especially Christian piety and doctrine from the very beginning: and to carry this out to the best of our ability.”
Saint Joseph of Calasanz (Number 5, Prologue to the Constitutions, 1622).
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