Philosophy and education, like all conscious and deliberate acts, seek for its basis a sound and tested principle. These fundamental principles are eternal truths which guide, direct, and regulate human activity. From these ultimate principles flow a catholic philosophy of life, and from a catholic philosophy of life flows a catholic philosophy of education. These basic guide
lines of a catholic philosophy of life and of education offer man valid criteria for interpreting and evaluating life and its meaning. Catholic philosophy of education sets up specific goals, purposes, values and ideals which are fulfilled by the educative process. The education system is based on a philosophy of life. If that philosophy is sound, the educational system will be sound. Catholic education carries a philosophy and set of ideals basic to living the Christian life. One’s philosophy of life is of great importance because it influences one’s feelings and attitudes as well as one’s conscious ideas. A philosophy of life is an outlook in life, of an interpretation of life as a whole, based on the three relationships of man – to God, to his fellowmen, and to ecology and creation. Catholic philosophy looks upon man as a composite being of body and spirit with the three basic relationships governing his life. Catholic philosophy sees education as an effective agent for the harmonious development of the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, cultural and spiritual powers of man in order that he may attain perfect union with God, through CHRIST who is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” Man must go to CHRIST, and learn the way to live a fully Christian life to attain his ultimate destiny. PHILOSOPHY OF MCS AS AN INSTITUTION
1. Philosophy of Life
MCS subscribes to a philosophy of life based on Catholic principles and hierarchy of values. MCS believes in:
– God, our Father and Creator, who created man in His Image and likeness and that man is destined to return to Him.
– God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, incarnated through Mary. Heis the only way through whom man will reunite himself to God and ultimately attain his eternal destiny.
– Man’s mission in life is to live for the purpose for which he has been created, which is to know, love, and serve God and neighbors. He is to help build God’s Kingdom on earth.
– Man is a composite being of matter and spirit, fallen but redeemed.
– The Father sent the Holy Spirit to sanctify, inspire, guide and enlighten man in his journey towards eternal life.
2. MCS Philosophy of Education
Education – is a life-long process of learning, growing, and developing of one’s potentials in pursuit of one’s dreams and calling in life. School – an agent of transformation through which the Individual is aided to explore and discover the world around, assimilate and practice the knowledge learned in an attempt to become a better individual, a productive individual and a contributing member of a society. Teaching – a planned intervention to effect a change for the better. Hence, learners are challenged to put into practice theories learned within a given situation. Teachers – the most important medium in instruction; a role model, a facilitator of learning; one called to a special vocation of participating in the formation of the mind and heart of the individual.
