After the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure (Seraphicum) in Rome was able to prudently move toward normality by celebrating its traditional end of the academic year party. The party took place on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, on the campus green. The event was an opportunity for discussion and giving thanks at the end of an academic year that was largely characterized by socially-distanced learning.
The evening of gratitude began with Mass presided over by the Most Reverend Dario GERVASI, Auxiliary Bishop for the Southern Sector of Rome. Others present included the Archbishop of Teheran-Ispahan, Iran, Friar Dominique Joseph MATHIEU, OFM Conv.; the Grand Chancellor of the Faculty, Friar Jan MACIEJOW; and the Dean, Friar Raffaele DI MURO.
Bishop GERVASI spoke about the epochal changes we are facing due to spiritual desertification. However, he also pointed out that we can still glimpse encouraging shoots. Among other problems in our culture, we often struggle to find a path to the truth. “Here, you study philosophy, theology and graphology,” the Bishop told the students. “Here, you study in the light of Wisdom and everything you do is one of those foundational shoots being cultivated for the future, so that you can illuminate our culture with Christian theology and the light of the Gospel.”
In speaking about our changing times, Bishop GERVASI mentioned that, “God has prepared the history of salvation more through men than through structures.” He went on to stress how Pope Francis has been busy reorganizing the ranks and in doing so, is making use of many Conventual confreres who, in recent months, have been called to important roles of service in the Vatican and in the universal Church.
The end of the academic year was also a time to express thanks by awarding plaques to those professors who would be retiring from teaching due to age limits, namely, Oreste BAZZICHI, Friar Felice FIASCONARO, Friar Franciszek TARGOŃSKI, Friar Orlando TODISCO and Rita TORTI.
In keeping with tradition, awards were also given to the students who obtained their Baccalaureate degrees during the June session, namely, Friar Jijo Antony BHARANIKULANGARA, Friar Daniel Enrique BUSTAMANTE GUERRERO, Berardina FORZINETTI, Friar Naveen Thomas KANDATHIL, Giuseppe MAIORANO, Danilo MALGUZZI and Friar Salvatore M. ROBUSTELLI, along with those who obtained their Licentiate in Theology: Francesco CASAGRANDE and Antonella RISOLI.
Friar Raffaele DI MURO commented: “The academic year that is ending was very difficult because of the pandemic and its consequences. Nevertheless, the patience and self-denial of the professors, students and collaborators was decisive in reaching the finish line with good results. For example, our students’ accomplishment in earning their academic degrees was a source of particular satisfaction, because the synergy with the professors and the interaction with innovative teaching tools had worked out so well. It is now important for the Faculty to restart with this comforting data in hand in order to grow from all points of view.”
Elisabetta LO IACONO, Seraphicum Press Office
