(ANS – Rome) – On 14 November, the Grand Chancellor of the Urban University Rome, Cardinal Fernando Filoni conferred a doctorate honoris causa on Archbishop emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, SDB.

It is a recognition of Abp Menamparampil’s outstanding contribution for the promotion of cross cultural thought, inter-cultural relationships, providing health and education for poor, especially marginalized youth, and peace promotion in areas of ethnic conflict, especially in northeast India.

The Archbishop who worked for more than 60 years in northeast India was honoured along with Professor Gerald Anderson of Hamden Connecticut, USA, who had earlier been heading a Theological Institute in the Philippines and was responsible for many publications.

The programme began with Holy Eucharist celebrated in the University Chapel presided over by Cardinal Filoni marking the inauguration of the academic year (2013-2014).

It was followed by the commencement of the academic year ceremonies held in the Urban University Auditorium (Aula Magna) at 10.45 am with greetings by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alberto Trevisiol IMC and presentation of the doctoral candidates by Prof. Gianni Colzani.

After conferring of the Doctor honoris causa, the candidates gave their acceptance speeches. Dr Henderson spoke on “A new missionary age” and Abp Menamparampil spoke on St Paul’s statement “I have an obligation to all peoples” (Rom 1:14).

In his speech the Archbishop urged that “we develop in ourselves the sense of mission that St. Paul had when he said ‘I have an obligation to all peoples.’ The Apostle was resolved to exclude no one from the universal concern he had for all communities, neither the most advanced nor the least, neither those already good nor those who fail in their efforts. St Paul kept taking the Good News to new communities, approaching each one with great respect. He was sensitive to each one’s cultural heritage and ethnic pride.”

The origins of the Urbaniana University date back to Pope Urban VIII who decided to establish the Urban College on 1 August, 1627. Since 1966, the Urbaniana has accepted the affiliation of Seminaries and Institutes of Philosophy, Theology, Missiology, and Canon Law from all over the world.

Published 15/11/2013