EN
Father Leo Dehon gave highest priority to Christian education and formation. He wanted to achieve the wholeness of human society by Christian multiplying agents. For him, the Christian formation of character was a necessary pre-condition for fighting against godlessness and immorality as well as exploitation and impoverishment so that the kingdom of God might take root in people’s souls and societies. The article gives an insight into the idea, meaning and praxis of Father Dehon’s understanding of education and formation. The article presents three theses: First, Dehon thinks in structural and political terms. In view of the problems and the limitation of parish work he recognizes the foundation of a school as a political means to educate young people in a Christian manner and to fight the causes of existing misery effectively in the long term. Second, in his own experience Dehon was fully aware of the effect of a government ban on religious education. Should the church regain her freedom, she should do every think to utilize this freedom. Third, the basis of Dehonian education is love for each young person; the basis of the praxis of teaching is inspiration.