Catholic universities should be distinguished by their faith in God and care for others, their sense of purpose and their capacity to be authoritative without being authoritarian in order to be significant in today’s society, according to Sisters of St John of God Visiting Scholar for 2016, Monsignor Roderick Strange.
Monsignor Strange delivered a public lecture at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus on Thursday 7 July 2016.
During the lecture, Monsignor Strange explored the works of Blessed John Henry Newman – a 19th century Cardinal who was influential in the founding of the Catholic University of Ireland (now University College Dublin). Among his many books, Cardinal Newman’s The Idea of a University is regarded as a classic.
Monsignor Strange said Cardinal Newman’s understanding of how faith and reason are linked was important for the shaping of Catholic universities today.
“Newman’s vision encourages us to stand confidently in the public square; be inspired by faith; give outstanding care to others; act with a clear sense of mission, exploring ideas and open to questioning; and be authoritative without being authoritarian,” Monsignor Strange said.
“A Catholic university is called to reflect the incarnation by uniting the secular and the sacred. Catholic universities have a commitment to, and a core conviction about, the Gospel; a capacity for critical enquiry; and an openness to contemplation.
“These collective attributes ensure the significance of Catholic universities in today’s society.”
Professor Selma Alliex, Head of the Fremantle Campus, said Monsignor Strange’s insights into Cardinal Newman’s life and works were significant for Notre Dame as a Catholic university, one that is committed to its Objects and supporting the role and work of the Church.
“Monsignor Strange encourages us to place our faith in God at the centre of our being as a university bound by the Catholic intellectual tradition. This approach ensures we can help people develop the skills they need in their lives and for their careers,” Professor Alliex said.
Monsignor Strange, based in the United Kingdom, is an ordained priest, respected Catholic commentator, an expert scholar of the life and works of Blessed John Henry Newman, and is a Professor of Theology at St Mary’s University in Twickenham.