Given the great attention Pope Benedict XVI gave to Cardinal John Henry Newman during his recent visit to England , culminating in his Beatification, Fr Fabio Attard presented the Cardinal as a good example for all Salesians in formation, in his “lectio magistralis” entitled “Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman – Theology and holiness.”
“May our search for the truth be inspired by his zeal. May our love for the Church be inspired by his fidelity. Let us always imitate him in our wise interpretation of the challenges which are awaiting us, so that at the end we too like Blessed John Henry Newman, may be joyful witnesses of the steadfast trust which was rooted in Jesus Christ,” Fr Attard said as he concluded his address.
Addressing himself to the teachers, students and distinguished guests present, belonging to various academic and religious institutions in Jerusalem, Fr Fabio Attard emphasised the inter-relationship between thought and life which characterised the spiritual and theological journey of the new Blessed, whose teaching is still exceptionally well suited to respond to the cultural challenges which the Christian faith is currently facing.
When Fr Attard had finished, Fr Gianni Sgreva, a Passionist, presented the book “Topics of Eastern Theology” written by Fr Piergiorgio Gianazza SDB, lecturer at Ratisbonne and at present involved as an expert, at the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops. Fr Sgreva spoke about the importance of the Catholic Church breathing with “two lungs,” according to the well-known expression used by Pope John Paul II, in other words benefitting from the theological traditions of both west and east.
The “Studium Theologicum Salesianum”, which began its activities seven years ago, is home to about 60 students, from 25 different countries, engaged in the study of Biblical Theology in the ecumenical and multi-religious context of the Holy Land. Its cultural events such as Dies Accademicus dedicated to Cardinal Newman, have been praised by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, of His Beatitude Fwad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and Fr Francesco Cereda, General Councillor for Formation, who sent messages of congratulations.
Published 18/10/2010
