A ESCOLA CATÓLICA, UMA HISTÓRIA DE SERVIÇO AO POVO E À NAÇÃO BRASILEIRA

The Church presence in the al field was marked by the imprint of the different historical moments in our history. With the difficult moments already overcome, with the models of its juridical profile already adpated to the transformations of the political regime and ists forms of government and political constitutions, with the internal crises raising a new apostolic zeal, it became clear that evangelization and education are inseprable in their aims. In front of the evidence of that reality, made up of a wholehearted devotion to the Brasilian youth in the social, cultural and religious spheres of society, it is easy to witness to the relevance of the catholic school influence yesterday and today. The history of the church in the educational field in Brazil was not always immune to tensions and social conflit. Its options were also tainted with contradictions, above al when it took sides with the education of the privileged groups. The benefits derived by Brazil from the ongoing role played by the catholic school in the social and economic development, in bringing up the new generations to ethical and civic values, in the consolidation of a real democracy... are enormous. Its unequalled tradition, the seriousness of its principles and the quality of its educational services qualify the church by and large to be present, today and tomorrow, in the education national system of our country, certain to carry on offering its decisive contribution to the build-up of the nation. A conflicting situation in the church often arises from the tension between its fundamental options and the limits and demands of the different social andpolitical junctures of the moment. This conflict manifestes itself time and again within the realm of the church presence in the educational field, especially when its educational work favours the privileged groups and its pastoral speech leans towards the popular classes of society