Philippa Hitchen reports on Benedict XVI's visit to St Mary's University College,
Twickenham on Friday morning : Education has been at the heart of the Church’s mission
here in England for centuries. The great medieval universities still stand as an eloquent
witness to that and, in those days there were also many small, informal schools held
in parishes, churches, cathedrals and monasteries around the country, offering basic
reading skills, alongside knowledge of the Psalms, the Ten Commandments and the daily
liturgies.
Since the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy here in 1850, education
has also been one of the main focuses of the Church’s action, as it’s struggled to
rebuild a vibrant community following the devastation and destruction of the Reformation
period.
St Mary’s College, where the Pope met with thousands of children from
Catholic schools all over England and Wales on Friday, dates back to that same period
in the mid 19th century when education of children was deemed more essential for that
task than even the building of new churches or cathedrals. The College moved to its
current location in the 1920’s, focused back then on training teachers for Catholic
schools. More recently it has been raised to university status and also boasts some
of the finest sports training facilities in the country. No surprise then that Pope
Benedict chose this occasion to inaugurate a new sports foundation dedicated to
the memory of his sporting predecessor Pope John Paul II.
"In view of London’s
forthcoming Olympic Games, it has been a pleasure to inaugurate this Sports Foundation,
named in honour of Pope John Paul II, and I pray that all who come here will give
glory to God through their sporting activities, as well as bringing enjoyment to themselves
and to others”.
It was a relaxed and joyful encounter of the Pope with the
excited kids and their teachers, gathered in their smart school uniforms alongside
with a bunch of TV stars and Olympic athletes. And the Pope himself seemed relaxed
and at home with these children of many different nationalities and religious backgrounds,
talking to them in a down to earth way about the search for happiness and fulfilment
in their lives.
"We live in a celebrity culture, and young people are often
encouraged to model themselves on figures from the world of sport or entertainment.
My question for you is this: what are the qualities you see in others that you would
most like to have yourselves? What kind of person would you really like to be?"
True
happiness, the Pope said, can only be found when we become friends with God, allowing
him into our lives to guide us in everything we do. While the world needs great scientists
and economists, historians and philosophers, he said, the most important thing a school
can provide is a rounded education that helps children understand the bigger picture
of their place in God’s great creation. Respect and friendship for members of other
religious faiths is also an essential value that must be taught in Catholic schools,
the Pope said, echoing the theme he developed later that morning with leaders of the
many other faith groups with a sizeable presence in this country today.
"As
followers of different religious traditions working together for the good of the community
at large, we attach great importance to this “side by side” dimension of our cooperation,
which complements the “face to face” aspect of our continuing dialogue".
The
Pope also had words of encouragement for the many religious men and women, past and
present, who’ve pioneered the teaching ministry in these lands and around the world.
Recalling his own childhood, when he was taught by sisters of the order founded by
the venerable Mary Ward, Pope Benedict urged all involved in this vital work to follow
above all else, the “faithful loving witness of Christ, the Supreme Teacher”. Listen: