– Supernatural Pontifical University of the Holy Cross begins its 40th academic year. In his inaugural address for the 2024-2025 academic year, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, Prelate of the University, said Opus Dei and Grand Chancellor of the University, encouraged the members of the academic institution to "work with patience, trusting in hope".
Fernando Ocáriz took advantage of his speech to express his gratitude for "all the graces received" during the four decades of work, a work that is "at the service of the universal Church". Along with this look at the past, the Prelate of Opus Dei expressed his confidence in the future of the institution and, echoing the Jubilee Year of Hope convoked by the Pope, encouraged those present to "frequently ask for the grace of patience". Without this virtue, said Bishop Ocáriz, "it is impossible to hope for the fulfillment of the Lord's promises.
To be open "to the work of the Spirit".
The inauguration of the academic year began with a Mass presided over by Monsignor Giovanni Cesare Pagazzi, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education. In his homily, Pagazzi invited the members of the University to open themselves "to the work of the Spirit," without fear of how its "transforming power" might present itself.
The Secretary of the Dicastery was also in charge of giving the inaugural lecture of the course. During his lecture, he emphasized the role of the university as a "house of study" and a place for the transmission of knowledge. The university must therefore be a place where students feel that their professors "foster confidence, free them from fear, build an inner space, stimulate effort and promote a good habit."
After Monsignor Pagazzi's lecture, the Rector, Fernando Puig, underlined in an inaugural address the Christian identity of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. This identity allows for a "humanly well-done" work that provides students with a quality formation. The Rector also spoke briefly about the new Strategic Plan 2024-2029 that the University is preparing to continue improving its work.
The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in figures
After Fernando Puig's words, Hugo Francisco Elvira Ramos, representative of the students, spoke, thanking all the people who have made possible "the lively and dynamic community that our University is today".
These previous generations have had a clear impact, as shown by the figures offered by the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. In recent years, the academic institution has had nearly 15,000 students from 129 countries. Of these students, 75 have been named bishops or created cardinals. Of all these students, more than 7500 completed their studies with a scholarship, provided thanks to the approximately 25,000 benefactors of the University.
