Nuncio tells NCEA convention teachers are world's 'greatest artists'

Published: 2007-04-16

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Calling teachers "the greatest artists in the world," Pope Benedict XVI's representative to the United States opened the National Catholic Educational Association convention in Baltimore April 10 with praise for the "special qualities of mind and heart" that educators bring to their work. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., said many call Michelangelo the greatest artist ever because of his sculptures such as "The Pieta," which depicts Mary holding her son Jesus after his crucifixion. "But I think the greatest artists of the world are teachers, because you sculpt the best of what you are, not in a piece of marble but in human beings who are the glory of God," he said. Archbishop Sambi said he was the son and brother of schoolteachers and that Pope Benedict, from whom he brought greetings, "understands perfectly the labors, the greatness and" the usefulness of the mission of education, since he was "a teacher for a large part of his life." Up to 10,000 people were expected at the Baltimore Convention Center for the April 10-13 NCEA convention on the theme "Anchor of Faith, Harbor of Light."

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