(ANS - Rome)- The solemn inauguration of the Academic Year 2015-2016 at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome took place this morning, 21 October. The Rector Major of the Salesians and Grand Chancellor of the UPS, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, presided over the ceremony.

Mass was celebrated in the parish church of Our Lady of Hope, adjacent to the University. In his homily the Rector Major pointed out that the university environment by its nature is called to achieve "unity in diversity" and, led by the Holy Spirit, to generate "an air of thought pure and clear."

In this regard the Rector Major referred to the need for ''autonomy as a means", if the university is to be "at the service of the common fabric of the Congregation, the Church, civil society and the cultures of which it is servant".

Finally, quoting the Seventh Successor of Don Bosco, Fr Egidio Viganò, he invited everyone to be in their academic service, "believers who are humble, dialoguing, wise and spiritual" in order to celebrate every day "a special liturgy of intelligence."

The complete homily of the Rector Major is available on the site sdb.org.

The inauguration was followed by the Report of the Rector of the UPS, recently appointed Professor Mantovani. The Inaugural lecture by Professors Giulia Paola Di Nicola and Attilio Danese is entitled "The family today - challenges and resources". There were the now traditional gestures on this occasion - the conferral of the medal on retired teachers and the awards to students who have distinguished themselves for academic merit. Finally there was the  announcement by the Chancellor of the opening of the academic year.

Published 21/10/2015