As part of a new and meaningful tradition, the community of The Lay Centre concluded the academic year for the second time with a Eucharistic celebration, drawing attention to the gifts received in Baptism and the mystery of the Trinity. Mass was presided over by Archbishop Carlo Maria Polvani, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, on May 21.
In his homily, Archbishop Polvani reflected on both the challenges and the beauty of community life, drawing on the agricultural image of grafting as a metaphor for how we grow through our shared connections. Reflecting on the nature of communion, he reminded us that true community demands sacrifice—but in return, it offers something far greater: authenticity, resilience, and joy.
From his sharing, a question lingered: “When you are grafted into something, do you stop being yourself?” His answer was clear and encouraging—you do not lose yourself; you become more truly who you are.
This, he suggested, is the essence of Christian life: being grafted into Christ—and into one another—costs something. It requires openness, patience, and sacrifice. Yet, it gives even more: resilience, beauty, and the discovery of a more authentic self.
Affirming the path we walk as a community, Archbishop Polvani offered words of encouragement: “Thank you for living the Church in a very concrete and demanding way—sharing our differences, sharing our riches. The path to salvation is not easy. You have to give something to get a lot. But you do give something, and you do get a lot.”
The evening continued with a thoughtful after-dinner conversation, rich in insights about the work of the Dicastery, the mission of Catholic education, and its ongoing dialogue with today’s culture. It served as a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty that arise when we journey together in faith.
Archbishop Polvani explained that the Dicastery for Culture and Education plays a vital role in overseeing Catholic education around the world. As the Church’s central administrative body in this area, it supports bishops and Catholic institutions in their educational mission. While Catholic education takes many forms depending on local contexts and cultures, the Church remains one of the largest providers of education globally—second only to nations with vast public systems such as China and India.
He also shed light on the historical evolution of the Church’s administrative structures, tracing the development from early models of governance to the establishment of centralized dicasteries after the Council of Trent. These structures were later reformed by Popes Pius X, John Paul II, and most recently by Pope Francis through the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium.
Despite the inherent complexity of managing education across diverse countries, cultures, and school systems, the work of the Dicastery ensures the unity, identity, and vitality of Catholic education around the world.
