College President Attends Papal Address
April 18, 2008
On April 17th, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the presidents of Catholic colleges and universities and superintendents from dioceses across the nation on the Catholic University of America campus. Emmanuel College President Sister Janet Eisner, SND was one of approximately 350 presidents and superintendents who experienced firsthand the enthusiasm and joy generated by the Pope's visit to the United States.
"The Holy Father was most affirming of Catholic education in the U.S., noting that education is integral to the Church's mission," said Sr. Janet.
In his speech, Pope Benedict discussed the identity of Catholic colleges and universities, stating:
Clearly, then, Catholic identity is not dependent upon statistics. Neither can it be equated simply with orthodoxy of course content. It demands and inspires much more: namely that each and every aspect of your learning communities reverberates within the ecclesial life of faith.
The audience broke into applause when the Holy Father spoke of the importance of accessibility so that no child is denied education in the faith. He further emphasized the importance of renewing the commitment to schools in poorer areas:
Indeed, everything possible must be done, in cooperation with the wider community, to ensure that they are accessible to people of all social and economic strata. No child should be denied his or her right to an education in faith, which in turn nurtures the soul of a nation.
He specifically addressed the presidents and the issue of academic freedom:
In regard to faculty members at Catholic colleges and universities, I wish to reaffirm the great value of academic freedom. In virtue of this freedom you are called to search for the truth wherever careful analysis of evidence leads you. Yet it is also the case that any appeal to the principle of academic freedom in order to justify positions that contradict the faith and the teaching of the Church would obstruct or even betray the university's identity and mission; a mission at the heart of the Church's munus docendi and not somehow autonomous or independent of it.
He also thanked the audience for their commitment to education by saying:
Your selfless contributions - from outstanding research to the dedication of those working in inner-city schools - serve both your country and the Church. For this I express my profound gratitude.
This was the third address to Catholic college presidents that Sr. Janet has attended. The previous two were with Pope John Paul II in New Orleans and Washington, DC. She also participated in an address by Pope John Paul II to the people of Cuba.
The Pope's address at Catholic University was part of his two-day stay in Washington, D.C. His stay also included a visit to the White House, as address to the county's bishops and a Mass at Nationals Stadium with 48,000 people in attendance.
Sr. Janet was quoted in stories about the Pope's address in The Boston Globe and The Pilot.
To read the entire address from Catholic University, please click here»