Archbishop Sambi Was Great Friend to Catholic Education Says Leader of National Catholic Educational Association

ARLINGTON, Va.– Catholic educators nationwide are mourning the loss of a great friend and supporter of Catholic education, according to Karen Ristau, president of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

“Archbishop Pietro Sambi had a true passion and faith in Catholic schools and colleges and parish education,” said Dr. Ristau.  “From his arrival as apostolic nuncio to the United States in 2005 he was clearly supportive of the vital mission of Catholic education on all levels.”

Dr. Ristau recalled the wonderful words of wisdom and encouragement – mixed with an engaging humor --that the Archbishop shared when he addressed thousands of delegates at the NCEA convention in Baltimore in 2007.

“Archbishop Sambi recalled for the audience the beautiful work of Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists in the world.  He then surprised delegates with these words: ‘I don’t believe it! The greatest artists are the educators – are you – because you try to sculpt the best of yourselves, of who you are and what you know, not in a piece of marble, but in living, breathing human beings who are the glory of God.’  

“Archbishop Sambi let our teachers, administrators and catechists know that he felt they had some of the most important jobs in the world.  He uplifted them and assured them of the influential roles they had in advancing our faith, in serving their church and in serving their country.”

The following year Archbishop Sambi played a pivotal role in facilitating the meeting of diocesan educational leaders with Pope Benedict XVI at The Catholic University of America.  “The Holy Father’s faith in education and the mighty work being done by our more than 200,000 members was a source of great hope and inspiration,” said the NCEA president. “Paving the way for this meeting and participating fully in it was one of the many gifts that Archbishop Sambi gave Catholic education.”

Dr. Ristau also noted the apostolic nuncio’s great generosity.  “Thanks to Archbishop Sambi, the doors of the Vatican Embassy have been opened to Catholic educators and our supporters very often during the past few years.  He also was a featured speaker every year at the NCEA Seton Awards, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated great support and leadership for Catholic education.

“While we did not have the opportunity to honor Archbishop Sambi with the Seton Award, his dedication and great conviction that Catholic educators were indeed the ‘greatest artists’ certainly made him worthy of that recognition,” added Dr. Ristau.

NCEA is the largest educational association in the world, providing leadership, direction and service to more than 200,000 educators and the 7.2 million young people they serve.

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