Institute for Catholic Liberal Education Website
CV NEWS FEED // The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education’s (ICLE) 12th annual National Conference, held July 9-12 at Benedictine College, witnessed an unprecedented gathering of 462 participants.
This year’s conference turnout was the largest in the institute’s history, according to the official newspaper of the Kansas City Archdiocese, The Leaven. The conference focused on the theme “Behold the Beauty of the Lord.”
The Leaven reports that this year’s conference drew participants from 160 schools and organizations, representing 56 dioceses, 34 states, and three countries. There was also a significant presence of religious and clergy, including three bishops, 18 priests, 32 women religious, and two deacons. Additionally, dozens of schools streamed the event online.
Aimed at pre-K to 12th grade educators, clergy, and superintendents, the event emphasized the importance of stepping away from more secular models and reclaiming the Catholic Church’s rich liberal arts tradition.
The Leaven reported that the conference featured more than 50 speakers. Sessions provided practical strategies for educators, guidance for school leaders on fostering a deeply Catholic school culture, methods for enhancing student learning, and integrating faith into the curriculum, among other resources.
The conference schedule was infused with opportunities for spiritual growth, including Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration, and morning prayer. Attendees joined the monks at St. Benedict’s Abbey church for the Liturgy of the Hours.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes, from the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, gave the keynote address on “The Imago Dei and Imago Christi: The Role of Catholic Education.” He focused on the significance of beauty within the conference’s theme, explaining how Catholic educators are called to present Christ’s beauty to their students.
According to the Leaven, Bishop Fernandes said during his address, “It is really the beauty of Christ — the beautiful shepherd — that attracts and saves the world.”
