Quotes
from Bishop Bruskewitz’s speech “The Nature of Catholic Higher Education” Photographer: Michael Radelt |
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Every university is some kind of university: a Catholic university, a State university, a private university, a Mormon university, a Lutheran university, etc. Each one of those modes of being - in other words, each adjective that modifies the word university, puts a certain restrictive element into the university. Therefore, it is entirely foolish to maintain that calling a Catholic institution of post-secondary learning and research is somehow impeded in its task because of its mode of being as Catholic. As a matter of fact, it is quite contrary, as I hope to be able to show in this paper. The word Catholic actually enhances, deepens, and makes more perfect and more complete that which a university should be. |
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Pope John Paul II said, “It is the honor and responsibility of a Catholic university to consecrate itself without reserve to the cause of truth. This is its way of serving at one and the same time, both the dignity of man and the good of the Church, which has an intimate conviction that truth is her real ally, and that knowledge and reason are sure ministers to faith. Without in any way neglecting the acquisition of useful knowledge, a Catholic university is distinguished by its free search for the whole truth about nature, man, and God.” |
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The four characteristics then, of every Catholic college and university as Catholic, are these: First, there must be a Christian inspiration, not only of individuals, but of the entire university community as such. Second, the university or college must have and conduct a continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge to which it seeks to contribute by its own research, writing, and undertakings. Third, there must be fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to the human race through the Catholic Church. And fourth, and perhaps the most important, there must be an institutional committment to the service of the people of God and the human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning to life. |
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Research in a Catholic university must also be characterized by a continuing dialogue between faith and reason. A vital intersection of two distinct levels of coming to know the one truth leads to a greater love of truth itself, and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the meaning of human life and the purpose of God's creation. Research in a Catholic college or university must also involve ethical and moral concerns, because as the Holy See says, “The cause of a human person can only be served if the knowledge is joined to conscience.” |
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A few fundamental notions might serve as an appropriate background for those intending to found a Catholic college. In his great treatise “The Idea of a University,” Cardinal John Henry Newman said, “To be a slave of a man is as bad in the mind as in the body. However, to be the slave of Christ and His Vicar is perfect freedom.” |
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As a stimulus to your work, I would like to tell you my personal belief that it has a very strong element of urgency. The history of higher education in our country has been almost entirely adrift from a religious perspective to a secular domination. These are the reasons, my friends, why I believe what you are doing, what you are attempting to do, what you are trying to do deserves congratulations and the highest praise, as well as all the support that can be mustered. In reaction to the secularization of Catholic institutions, and unfortunately, even perversion of some of their parts, there have been efforts throughout our country to set up colleges and universities that truly reflect what is spoken of by Ex Corde Ecclesiae, what could legitimately be the specific heirs of our Catholic heritage, and our Catholic culture. |
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The task is urgent. The enterprise has begun. |
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