On October 29th, the Alphonsian Academy inaugurated its 76th academic year with the solemn Eucharistic celebration De Spiritu Sancto, presided over by His Holiness Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome and Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Lateran University.
In his homily, Cardinal Reina emphasized the value of study as an authentic service to the Church and society. He recalled that theological research must arise from listening to the Gospel and translate into a coherent lifestyle, capable of integrating faith, intelligence, and responsibility. The beginning of the new academic year was thus presented as a time of renewal, an invitation to students and faculty to grow together, cultivating humble knowledge, open to dialogue, and oriented toward the common good.
After the celebration of the Mass, the participants – including various Directors of Colleges and Student Houses in Rome and other guests – gathered in the Aula Magna for the inaugural address entitled “For a ‘Rapid’ Theology: A Proposal in Our Troubled Times,” given by Father Antonio Spadaro, SJ., Assistant secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See.
In his address, Father Spadaro highlighted the role of theological knowledge in the face of the challenges posed by the current historical context, characterized by profound changes and a multitude of pressing issues. He emphasized the need for a careful and dynamic reading of reality, capable of recognizing that we are in the midst of a truly epochal change.
Subsequently, Professor Antonio Donato, C.Ss.R., President of the Pontifical Institute Alphonsian Academy, presented an overview of the previous academic year, illustrating the results achieved and welcoming the new licentiate and doctoral students.
Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Francois Stanula, C.Ss.R., Vicar General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, read the message of good wishes addressed to the academic community by the Moderator General, Rev. Fr. Rogério Gomes, C.Ss.R.
The event officially concluded with the traditional ringing of the bell, performed by Professor Antonio Donato.
Fr. Ronaldo César Ferreira Gonçalves, CSsR.
Student, 1st year of licentiate
(source: www.alfonsiana.org)
