Pope Welcomes Catholic University in Sweden

(September 09, 2010) The first Catholic university recognized in Sweden since 1477 was praised by a papal message encouraging the institute community to be dedicated with heart and mind to the pursuit of divine and human wisdom. The Jesuit-run Newman Institute inaugurated the academic year on Saturday in Uppsala. A message from the Pope, sent by his secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, affirmed the Holy Father's hopes that this "centre of Catholic excellence" will be characterized by "the illustrious tradition of study, the impartial pursuit of knowledge in all realms and a strong commitment, both with divine as well as with human reason." This Catholic institution of higher learning was actually founded by the Society of Jesus in 2001. However the Swedish government accredited it just last April. Father Adolfo Nicolás, Superior-General of the Society of Jesus, presided over Mass on Saturday morning in the parish church of St. Lawrence in Uppsala. He explained in the homily that the university hopes to offer ways to "learn to live better." The Jesuit spoke about the entry of Catholic thought in public education as a sign of effective openness to plurality. He also pointed out that liberty of conscience is acquired through the pursuit of truth: "Newman was faithful to his conscience, something that is always difficult." He pointed out that Cardinal John Henry Newman had the courage to come out of "common sense" and to be faithful to his mission, seeking something more profound, "and this brings difficulties." Alluding to the spirituality of the Jesuits Fr General spoke on the Jesuit word 'magis,' meaning, more that is, to dig deeply, to understand the question that is behind the question, to look for something even more profound." Father Nicolás called for prayer for the Newman Institute, that its "contribution to education will be total, not only for the mind but also for the heart, recovering the best philosophical tradition of educating the heart."