Welcome, Rico C. Jacoba

Revisiting and Revitalizing the Essence and Identity of
Catholic Universities
_ Rico C. Jacoba
Abstract
This paper deals particularly with the growing challenges of post-modern education to Catholic universities. Following after the call for renewal by Vatican II and PCP II, it aims to clarify the essence and identity of Catholic Universities, guided by the work of the late Pope John Paul II, Ex corde ecclesiae. The paper revisits the distinct characteristics of a Catholic university in terms of its nature and objectives, community life, service to the church and community, pastoral ministry, cultural dialogue, and evangelization. Moreover, it suggests revitalizing Catholic education
along these characteristics: liberative, reign-kingdom-focused, inclusive, and glocal. The proposed areas of revitalization include the curriculum and the profession of Catholic educators.

Keywords: Catholic education, Ex corde ecclesiae, Paulo Freire


The Author
RICO C. JACOBA is a faculty member of the Department of Religion at the College of Human Sciences, Saint Louis University. He finished his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Mary Help of Christians College Seminary, Dagupan City. He continued his theological studies at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Vigan, Ilocos Sur (ICST) but later entered a monastery for three years where he served as a farmer missionary in the Diocese of Alaminos,
Pangasinan. While teaching in SLU, he earned degrees in MA Religious Studies in 2002 and PhD Educational Management in 2006. At present he is finishing his thesis in Special Education. He is a Full time Resource Teacher at St. Paul Sped Center International.