杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

On the sidelines of the Wednesday General Audience, 杏MAP导航 Francis was presented with the first copy of the book by Bishop Claudio Giuliodori and the University鈥檚 Rector Franco Anelli.

Entitled 鈥淭he Magisterium of the Church for the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart鈥�, it gathers the teachings of the 杏MAP导航s and Italian bishops which were directed to the university founded by Fr. Agostino Gemelli in Rome on 7 December 1921.

Abundance of Church鈥檚 care

In his preface, the 杏MAP导航 said the university鈥檚 centenary celebrations offer the possibility to appreciate the Church鈥檚 important work of education, which is renewed in each new generation.

鈥淭he amount and quality of the teachings show the relevance of the Church鈥檚 teaching mission, especially her dedication for advanced scientific and professional formation in all areas of knowledge and human efforts,鈥� he wrote, calling it a type of education which 鈥渁llows young people to let their talents bear fruit and offer their contribution to the common good.鈥�

Promoting formation and holiness

杏MAP导航 Francis noted that the quantity of papal teaching directed toward the Rome-based university is surely influenced by the 鈥渃omplex relationship between the Church and Italian society after the unification of Italy.鈥�

鈥淭he Catholic University of the Sacred Heart has been a true gymnasium for cultural exploration, Christian formation, and paths of holiness,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he history of the 鈥�Cattolica鈥� is a shining example of how efficacious and fruitful is the alliance between faith and science, theology and knowledge, and the spiritual and rational dimensions.鈥�

Missionary education

The 杏MAP导航 went on to urge all Catholic universities to look to the future of the Church鈥檚 mission, which he said rests with academic institutions.

He said Catholic schools need to live that mission by promoting an experience of the kerygma, dialogue at all levels, interdisciplinary research, a culture of encounter, networking, and an understanding of the Church鈥檚 preferential option for the poor.

Hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his preface with an invitation for the institution to direct its gaze toward the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 鈥渋n which are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.鈥�

鈥淚 encourage your academic institution to safeguard the memory of all the care with which the Church has given birth to it and of the rich teachings with which she has helped it grow, to confront the current challenges with renewed vigor.鈥�