A God-inspired sense of hope is necessary in our schools to combat the shadow of nihilism, according to a leading Catholic educationalist.

Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Sr Anne Neylon DC, Primary Diocesan Advisor, said: “That sense of nihilism in our world is erasing hope”.

 “To think that there are 250 million children globally without access to education is a terrible statistic. Some 250 million children and adolescents do not attend school.” She called on school leaders to remain “thirsty and have dreams.”

Ireland, Sr Anne said, has “a very good education system,” but faith must also be nurtured personally. “Taking personal responsibility for faith, taking time to reflect, and believing that God loves me as I am – it’s that simple.”

She also praised the example of saints, particularly Carlo Acutis, who she believes will inspire the young. “We need to avoid pessimism – it comes from secularism,” she said.

While acknowledging challenges in Ireland, including school closures, Sr Anne pointed the importance of collaboration between culture and education. “It takes each one of us to be responsible in our faith… The voice of God must be heard.”