PP. Benedict XVI's Message to University Presidents

In a message to Univesity Presidents and academics of Catholic Univesities in America, the Pope underscored the imporatnace of Catholic Doctrine. He said that any invocation of academic freedom in order to Justify teachings that contradics catholic doctrine cannot be justified. In fact it betrays the purpose and mission of Catholic Universities. The administrators of Catholic Schools and the teachers have the duty to promote and teach Catholic faith and way of life. This is the very main reason for the existence and the unique identity of the Catholic Universiy as differentiated from the Secular Universities. It is inconsistent for Catholic Universities to follow the fads and fashion of trends in education in the world today. A more detailed report can be read from various web links such as the Washington Post. Furthermore the Holy Father also emphaisized that reason should be open to the consideration of the Ultimate truths. This message clearly was put to challenge the prevailing "relativism" in intellectual life. In many universities today there is the perception that intellectual sophistication lies in the ability to ambigously make the self as the only rule for the determination of the truth. This kind of idea is very dangerous because this can become the bedrock of heresy under the guise of "academic freedom". This is the reason why in my opinion every University should have a very strong tehological programs for its students. With emphasis in Scriptures, Catechesis, and the Sacraments. The Chapel or the Church should be a the center of the Campus. There is no excuse for not promoting sound theological programs. This is the reason why Catholic parents send their children to Catholic schools is because they want their children to grow with clear instruction in the Catholic Faith. Secular belief dictates that religion is personal. Thus making personal means relagating it to the private. Thus this popular belief is very subtle and can find its way into our mentality without us being aware of it. The consequence is growing lack of faith, lack of enthusiasm to share the faith and the weakening of evangelization. To read more on the full texts of Papal Messages visit the USCCB's Papal Visit Blog

Let us pray for the success of papal visit to the US.