J. Jacob (Jake) Tawney gave a plenary presentation, “Mathematics and the Sacramental Imagination”
COLUMBUS, OH — The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) celebrated its 14th Annual National Conference from July 14-17 at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, marking the largest gathering in the organization’s history. Centered on the theme, “Stepping into the Light,” the event drew inspiration from St. Catherine of Siena’s call to bring the soul out of ignorance and into truth, beautifully visualized through Caravaggio’s The Calling of Saint Matthew. The assembly proved that the hunger to reclaim the Catholic Church’s full, liberating vision for PreK-12 education continues to grow exponentially across the globe.
A Global and Ecclesial Tapestry
Breaking all previous registration records, the sold-out conference welcomed nearly 550 in-person guests representing 201 Catholic schools and educational organizations. The event’s reach extended far beyond domestic borders, drawing participants from 74 dioceses and 5 different countries, including dedicated educators traveling from as far away as Colombia, Australia, and New Zealand. For those unable to journey to Ohio, the grace of the conference was dynamically extended online, with an additional 31 schools livestreaming the entire schedule of events for their local faculties.
The gathering beautifully mirrored the breadth of the Mystical Body, demonstrating how deeply the classical renewal has penetrated the heart of the Church. The 2026 attendee roster featured an extraordinary representation of clergy, religious, and diocesan leadership, including:
- 3 bishops celebrating the sacraments and guiding the community
- 36 priests providing spiritual fatherhood and pastoral insight
- 21 women religious bringing a witness of consecrated life to the educational apostolate
- 3 deacons assisting in the liturgies
- 21 diocesan leaders, including 10 superintendents charting the future of systemic renewal
Healing the Heart
A cornerstone of the 14th annual gathering was a transformative morning plenary session led by Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston. Addressing the 550 educators on the profound spiritual reality behind the conference theme, Bishop Cozzens stressed that a Catholic educator’s true vocation mirrors that of a pastor—it is rooted fundamentally in healing the interior life of youth.
“True education involves healing the human heart through experiencing unconditional love, or mercy,” Bishop Cozzens emphasized, explaining that a robust encounter with Truth Himself frees students from secular anxieties. “This approach allows educators to help young people realize their inherent value, liberating them to flourish as children of God.”
Announcing the Episcopal Advisory Board
In a landmark moment for the organization’s growth and alignment with the hierarchy of the Church, ICLE leadership officially announced the launch of its new Episcopal Advisory Board. This newly established board will provide critical shepherdly guidance to ensure the classical renewal remains deeply rooted in the heart of the Church’s magisterial mission.
The announcement underscores the institutional stability of the movement, signaling to dioceses worldwide that the return to Catholic liberal arts education is a vital, permanent priority for the global episcopacy.
Robust Formational Resources and Cultural Fellowship
The energy of the conference was further enlivened by a bustling Vendor Hall showcasing ICLE’s Premier Partners. With 40 total Premier Partners supporting the mission, 29 specific vendors filled the hall to provide rich curriculum resources, literature, and collaborative conversations for schools transitioning away from secular educational models. Intellectual and pedagogical formation took center stage across the four-day event, driven by a roster of 67 expert speakers.
Beyond the classrooms and keynotes, the conference celebrated the deep joy of Catholic community. A major highlight of this fellowship occurred on Thursday night, when attendees enthusiastically gathered for an unforgettable concert by The Hillbilly Thomists. The band of bluegrass-playing Dominican friars provided the perfect capstone to the week, filling the evening with exceptional music, laughter, and praise that perfectly captured the vibrant, joyful culture of the classical renewal.
What Attendees Said
The fruit of this intense formation and fellowship was beautifully captured in the reflections of the participants:
- “This conference was the kindling I needed to cure up for 26–27. To make a conference so informative, practical, and helpful while still being akin to a retreat with deep contemplation is a sign of the Holy Spirit at work through ICLE.”
- “The ICLE conference invigorated my vocation as a husband, father, and teacher. The days were full of inspiration, energy, and grace. It gives me hope to be able to give myself to others when the school year begins. My brain and my heart were both stretched and enriched.”
- “Most importantly, it gave me relief in finding common ground with other educators and administrators while still challenging me to see where growth is needed. Realism over extreme optimism or pessimism.”
- “I have learned so much. I’m excited to go back to the classroom with new tools, inspiration, and a new fire for teaching and learning. Even more so, I feel I have been filled up, not only as a teacher, but as a human.”
Sacramental Grace
True to the ideal that worship is the source of all authentic culture and learning, the conference schedule was anchored by rich Liturgical and Sacramental opportunities. Attendees participated in daily Mass, Confession, Adoration, and structured communal prayer. This intentional rhythm allowed participants to step back from the demands of school administration and grading to experience the very “restful learning”—or scholé—that they aim to foster within their own school communities. We were blessed to have Msgr. John R. Cihak, S.T.D, our ICLE Chaplain, lead the investiture and enrollment in the Brown Scapular on Thursday, July 16, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
As educators return to their respective dioceses to prepare for the upcoming academic year, they carry with them the illuminating light of Columbus—spiritually renewed, professionally equipped, and profoundly connected to a global community of peers.
| Published Aug. 5, 2026 |