Meeting with Representatives of the Catholic University of Lublim (17 June 1983)

On Friday, 17 June 1983, the Holy Father met with the Academic Senate and professors of the Catholic University of Lublim, from whom the Pope received a Doctorate “Honoris Causa.” 

Venerable Father Rector
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen

I thank you for your visit to Warsaw, as it was not possible for me to visit Lublim. I want to assure you once again that I really wanted — and continue to want — to find myself at the Catholic University of Lublim , which for several years was my work bench. I owe a lot to the work at your Athenaeum, which I hold in high regard. The Faculty of Philosophy did not want to renounce my collaboration even when, as Archbishop of Krakow , I could offer it only on a very irregular basis. It is true, however, that until 1978 I maintained scientific contacts with the University, and mainly — thanks to the wonderful collaborators who replaced me — I was able to direct the Chair of Ethics from afar. And given that, despite repeated requests for resignation, the Dean and the Rectory always decided to maintain this appointment, I found a kind of "absolution" there.

The problems of science, and in particular the problems of academic science , have always been held in great esteem by me. I have always considered and still consider the Catholic Athenaeums to be an indispensable constituent element of the Church's mission. If Christ sent the apostles to "teach all nations" (cf. Mt. 28, 19), then this mandate contains some fundamental presupposition to enter the field of science , since between teaching and science there is a close and organic relationship .

I am happy that, in the year of the State's regained independence — in 1918 — the Catholic University appeared in Lublim. This coincidence of dates has multiple eloquence. There is undoubtedly a certain organic relationship between independence and the university and between independence and "catholicity" . This eloquence finds its expression in the motto "Deo et Patriae", to which the Catholic University of Lublim has remained faithful throughout all the years of its existence; and these years are already 65. I feel happy to have been able to have my modest small part in these 65 years.

If today you came with the decision to grant me a doctorate "honoris causa", well, although this is not in conflict with the tradition of my ministry, in this case I surrender. I cannot oppose the University Authorities, who for so many years were the ones who offered me work, and the university authorities constituted a superior authority for me. In fact, I must honestly admit that I "surrendered" once in a similar way to... university arrogance , when this happened in Coimbra, Portugal. As in that case — in this case even more so! — may this submission of mine be an expression of the respect and love I have for science and in particular for the Catholic University of Lublim. Be an expression of the love with which I surround this Catholic "Alma Mater" in my homeland.

I wish to pay a profound tribute to all generations of Rectors, Professors, teaching and administrative staff, and finally to all generations of Students at the Catholic University of Lublim. Although under extremely modest economic conditions — relying on the generosity of the Catholic community in Poland — they built a great building . And they built it in the midst of all the difficulties experienced by the country over 65 years, especially during the period of the Second World War and the terrible occupation.

From the generations that spent writing their own pages in the history of the Catholic Athenaeum, I come to those that are contemporary . I address all Universities, all Faculties, all Institutes of a scientific nature, as well as the administrative complex, linked to the academic structure of the University. I hope that the Catholic University of Lublim will constitute an authentic scientific and educational working environment in accordance with the best traditions of Polish, European and world university culture. I want it to be a living community of teachers and students, united by a deep love for the truth , and at the same time deeply rooted in an order of values ​​that is Christian and also truly human. I hope that, through our Catholic University, wise and intrepid men will multiply in Polish land.

My meeting with a representative of the Catholic University of Lublim takes place on the itinerary of my second pilgrimage in the Homeland, linked to the jubilee of the six centuries of Jasna Góra. I find myself on the path that leads from Warsaw, through Niepokalanow, to Jasna Góra. And there, in front of the effigy of the Mother of our Nation, I wish to deposit as votum this academic honor, which is conferred on me by you. There I wish to entrust to Mary, Seat of Wisdom, the Catholic "Alma Mater" of Lublim and all that she is accomplishing for the future of the Church, the Nation and culture.

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