(ANS – Brasilia) – In plenary session on 22 June, on the occasion of the XV anniversary of its foundation the Catholic University of Brasilia, (UCB), unanimously decided  to give a Doctorate “Honoris Causa” to Fr Carlos Garulo, in his role as the principal architect in the planning and development of the IUS Project (Salesian Institutions of Higher Education) between 1998 and 2010.

This role which he has undertaken with discretion and modesty, was aimed at strengthening individuals and institutions interiorly rather than by the external manifestation of the successes achieved, as a contribution to the facing up to the challenges to education in the global world.

The Council of the UCB University consider that this project has had the merit of placing the organisation at world level with regard to the initiatives for innovation in the field of Higher Education.

Writing to the Superiors of the Salesian Congregation, the Rector of the University, Prof. José Romualdo Degasperi, says: “I am sure that in the light of these facts you too together with the communities of the Provinces and of the Region, will share in the joy I have just expressed. Share in our gratitude: it is something for many, for all.”

The Rector continues: The Doctorate is meant to recognise and also honour the thousands of people who have taken part in the Project, and with them the governing bodies of the Salesian Congregation, at general and local level, for their admirable willingness to follow a policy of finding for their Institutes of Higher Education a strategic plan, adapted to the new social and academic contexts and at the same time faithful to their own mission.”.

In responding to news of this honour, Fr Garulo has  invited people to focus  their attention on the IUS Project rather than on him personally; and in addition recalled that he had always worked on behalf of education on the basis of what the Congregation had asked of him.

The Catholic University of Brasilia is the result of the initiative and the commitment of  5 religious Congregations: the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, De La Salle Brothersi, Stigmatists, Marist Fathers and Salesians. The UCB is an academic institution with a “shared charism” and “a stupendous example of being and acting today as Church.”

Published  29/07/2010