Basilian network for education and the new evangelization

BNENE advances high-quality Catholic education by helping educators teach what the Church teaches with clarity, conviction, and fidelity. 

Both of BNENE’s first directors, Fr. Mario D’Souza CSB and Fr. John Huber, CSB, offered the faculty and staff of Basilian schools opportunities to come together in fraternity to focus on what it means to be Catholic educators, and engage in dialogue with one another. BNENE presentations have encompassed the Church’s teaching on education and how all within the school are called to be a part of a distinctly Catholic community, infused with the Basilian charism.

BNENE’s conferences have invited speakers—including prominent church figures—to explore themes such as the religious dimension of the Catholic school, equipping educators to articulate a distinctive Catholic school experience rooted in the Basilian charism of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. 

These efforts assist Catholic high schools in delivering a faith-filled, academically rigorous education that resonates with parents looking for strong values, disciplined learning, and spiritual formation in a school setting.

BNENE promotes collaboration across the Basilian education network, encouraging educators from Catholic high schools and partner institutions to share best practices, resources, and experiences. 

The inaugural BNENE Summer Conference brought together educators from Basilian schools in Canada, the United States, and France, fostering connection and cooperative mission. Subsequent conferences in Detroit, Houston (at the University of St. Thomas), and Toronto have expanded this collaborative mission, inviting representatives from Detroit Cristo Rey and Aquinas Institute to engage in shared reflection. 

The year 2024 saw some significant developments for BNENE.  The third BNENE Summer Conference (originally scheduled for 2020, but thwarted by the Covid pandemic) was held at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. Members from St. Thomas High School, Detroit Catholic Central, and St. Michael’s College School were joined by representatives from Detroit Cristo Rey and Aquinas Institute (Rochester, NY). Participants examined the history of the Basilian Fathers and explored how mostly lay members of school boards, administration, faculty, and staff will carry on the Basilian charism of education

These collaborative experiences deepen the shared identity of Basilian Catholic schools, helping teachers and administrators learn from one another and implement Catholic education values like academic excellence and character formation across diverse school communities. 

BNENE’s immersion initiative seeks to bring the Basilian Charism of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge into the lived experience of students, faculty, and school communities. 

Beyond conferences and study, this immersion shows up in how Basilian Catholic high schools live their mission throughout the year: from faith development activities and retreats for faculty and staff, to programs like Camp Aquinas for freshmen that build community and character. 

In these environments, the Holy Spirit is invited into daily school life, shaping how students engage in faith-based learning, disciplined academic work, and community service. This immersion reflects the broader mission of Catholic education—forming students who not only excel academically but also grow in virtue, respond to God’s call, and contribute meaningfully to society. 

For parents seeking a Catholic school that nurtures not just intellect but spiritual depth, BNENE’s role in cultivating these immersive experiences underscores the lasting benefits of a Basilian Catholic education.