RELIGION AND EDUCATION

(ALIANZA INTIMA ENTRE LA RELIGION Y LA EDUCACION)

Like climbing ivy
Tortuously creeps
Along the erect elm,
Both being enchantment to the verdant meadow,
And beautify each other
As united they grow;
And if the compassionate elm were missing,
The ivy in wanting of its consolation
Would see itself sadly wilt;
Thus, so close an alliance sincerely
Unites Education
With the soul of Religion:
Because of her, Education attains renown;
And woe to the being who blindly casts aside
The wise doctrines of saintly Religion,
From its pure stream nefariously fleeing.

If from the pompous grapevine
Proudly grows the stem
And offers its sweet clusters,
While generously the vine shoot
By loving plant is fed”
As limpid currents
Of celestial virtue give new life
To education complete,
Guiding her with its refulgent light;
Exuding delicate perfume for her,
And presents us with her savory fruits.
Without Religion, human Education
Is like a ship buffeted by the wind.
That losses her rudder in horrible combat
To the thundering impact jolt
Of the terrible tempestuous North wind
That fiercely battles her
Until it haughtily sinks her
In the abysses of the angry sea.

If the dew from the sky
Invigorates and nourishes the meadow,
And because of it, in beautiful spring,
The flowers bloom to adorn the soil;
Thus would pious Religion fertilize
Education with its doctrines,
Towards pleasant good shall it walk
With generous plant;
And bearing vigorous flowers of virtue
Disperse it perfumes everywhere.