information magazine of the pontifical gregorian ... · gregorian university in its capacity as an...

The first ONE HUNDRED

YEARSof Gregorianum

A RENEWALPROGRAMfor Missionaries

CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAMfrom study to encounter

Year XXIV – n. 54 / Special Issue - Summer 2019

Virtus et ScientiaInformation Magazine of the Pontifical Gregorian University

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A CHURCH WHICH

Editor-in-ChiefGian Paolo Salvini, SJ

EditorPaolo Pegoraro

[email protected]

Editorial staffMaria Rita [email protected]

Pontifical Gregorian University Piazza della Pilotta, 4 | 00187 Roma | Italy

Tel. +39 06 6701.1 | Fax +39 06 6701.5419

CF 80093970582 Banca Popolare Etica:IBAN IT74 I050 1803 2000 0000 0118 079

Postal Account n. 10304020

Year XXIV – n. 54 – Special Issue | www.unigre.it/LaGregoriana

Graphic project and layoutpublinext.it - e-designer.it

Printing Abilgraph S.r.l.Via Pietro Ottoboni, 11 | Roma

Cover photo P. Pegoraro

Printed in July 2019

Registration at the Court of Romen. 134 March 29, 1996

8

28

1 EDITORIAL

ACADEMIC LIFE8 A Renewal Program for Missionaries | Interview with Fr. B. Lobo, S.J.

10 Amazon: challenges and prospects for our Common Home | P. Xalxo, S.J.

14 The voice of Silence | Editorial Staff

16 Doesn’t God dwell here anymore? | O. Bucarelli

18 Crossroads of knowledge | S. Del Bove, S.J.

21 2018-2019: the Year of Cardinal Bea

50th Anniversary † | Cardinal Bea Centre for Judaic Studies

24 Jesus and the Pharisees | J. Sievers - P. Pegoraro

2FOCUS2 Christianity and Islam, from study to encounter | Interview with Fr. Laurent Basanese S.J.

5 I am a Muslim and I study Christianity | I. Alla

GREG COMMUNITY26 Freisemester, an opportunity for enrichment | K. A. Fuchs

28 Four postcards from the Gregorian | D. A. Garnica

30 Walking amidst past and present | J. Di Domenico - E. Belli

32 The first one hundred years of Gregorianum | Editorial Staff

34 Books & Periodicals

35 Social media

1 Why choose the Gregorian University? | Fr. N. da Silva Gonçalves, S.J.

54 (special issue) - 2019 | 1

EDITORIAL

by NUNO DA SILVA GONÇALVES, S.J.Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University

There are many reasonswhy students choose the Gregoriana: its internationality, the diversityof academic programmes,the fact that it is at the heartof the Christian world.Making our University a“source of reconciled life”is a commitment we havemade that we will continueto pursue together.

Afew months ago, in the last question of an inter-view on the University, suggesting to concludewith a final synthesis, the journalist asked me:“Why choose the Gregoriana?” Indeed, why shouldstudents decide to study at the Gregoriana while thereare ecclesiastical academic institutions throughout theworld and it is often recommended that the first stagesof formation take place in the areas of origin?

Studying at the Gregoriana is a unique opportu-nity – both at ecclesial and academic level – that leavesa lifelong imprint of universality. Its international di-mension, with professors and students from 120world countries, characterises the university environ-ment. Along with this multicultural environment,

which brings together the centre and the periphery, the Gregoriana offers awide range of courses in its six faculties, two institutes and six specialised cen-tres. We offer First, Second and Third cycle programmes, as well as continuingeducation, in the following areas: Theology; Canon Law; Philosophy; ChurchHistory; Cultural Heritage of the Church; Missiology; Social Sciences; Spiritu-ality; Psychology; Formation of Formators; Interreligious Studies; and Safe-guarding/ Protection of Minors. In addition, students can enrich theircurriculum with courses from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the PontificalOriental Institute.

The extensive range of academic programmes allows us to implement whatPope Francis asks from ecclesiastical universities in Veritatis Gaudium, namely:“inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches carried out with wisdomand creativity in the light of Revelation”, so that the distinctive trait of the for-mative and research approach may be “the principle of unity in difference ofknowledge and respect for its multiple, correlated and convergent expressions.”

The fact of being in Rome is not just a geographical ma�er. In the city ofPeter and Paul, we are located in the heart of the Christian world, closely con-nected with our history and identity. The University offers its students - sem-inarians, priests, religious and lay women and men - an atmosphere markedby ecclesiality that inspires and forms all those preparing for highly qualifiedservice in their local churches.

The Gregorian University can be defined a research university whose facultymembers are as commi�ed to their teaching as they are to research and publi-cation. Thus the library, the beating heart of academic life, is continuously up-dated through substantial resource allocation.

Finally, as ours is a University entrusted to the Society of Jesus, we acceptthe challenge of our Vice Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Arturo Sosa to make ourUniversity “a source of reconciled life.” This is what we are doing and will con-tinue doing together with you all!

The following pages will introduce you to many other reasons for studyingat the Gregoriana. For our part, we wish to continue to serve the Church andthe society of our present time with joy, fidelity and creativity!

I hope you enjoy the read

Why choosethe Gregorian University?

2 | 54 (special issue) - 2019

The Document on Human Fraternity aims to create a new sensitivity among new generations.The Centre for Interreligious Studies, “window on the worlds”of religions, gives the opportunityand the formation to deepen a genuine mutual knowledge

The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and LivingTogether, signed on February 4 2019 by Pope Francis and theGrand Imam of Al-AzharAhmad Al-Tayyeb, is marked bya joint appeal: “Al-Azhar and the Catholic Church ask that thisDocument become the object of research and reflection in allschools, universities and institutes of formation, thus helpingto educate new generations to bring goodness and peace to oth-ers, and to be defenders everywhere of the rights of the op-pressed and of the least of our brothers and sisters.” This appealequally involves the Centre for Interreligious Studies of theGregorian University in its capacity as an academic body en-trusted with the study of non-Christian religions. “We have al-ready created a joint Research Group with PISAI (PontificalInstitute for Arabic and Islamic Studies) on the theme: ‘TheDocument on Human Brotherhood: Theological, Philosophicaland Social Reflections and Developments’ ”, said Fr. LaurentBasanese S.J., Director of the Centre. “The Document should bestudied, and most importantly it must be put into practice. It isin fact an ‘exhortation’ addressed not only to the religious, butchiefly to public Authorities and to civil society, so that the prin-ciples enshrined therein may be put into practice at local andinternational level alike. Therefore, it is now our turn to con-

Christianity and Islam,from study to encounterInterview with Fr. Laurent Basanese, S.J.Director of the Gregorian Centre for Interreligious Studies

by PAOLO PEGORARO

FOCUS


has existed since 1980: itchanged names and config-urations, but it responds tothat same fundamental re-quirement.

� The second objectiveis the promotion of re-search.

In fact, the Diploma inInterreligious Studies, whichcan be obtained in twosemesters, corresponds toa first level Master’s de-gree. It entitles students to continue theirstudies both at the PISAI (upon certifiedknowledge of Arabic) at the Saint Joseph Uni-versity in Beirut (upon certified knowledgeof French or Arabic) and at the Faculty ofMissiology (to students who completed aBaccalaureate in Theology or in Missiology).Some of our students have already under-taken this path. The program is flexible andits format allows students to conduct their re-searches and deepen their studies under theguidance of a Professor in individual andgroup reading alike. For this reason, consid-erable importance is given to the annotatedbibliography in final term papers, in additionto the students’ critical appreciation of thebooks they read.

front this “milestone” that calls for mutualunderstanding - and I insist on this point: theother cannot be known only in the abstract, apriori or from books. We need meetings, de-bates, reflection and study.”

� Nostra Aetate concludes with a call touniversal brotherhood (NA 5). How is it de-veloped in the Abu Dhabi document?

This invitation to fraternity betweenChristians and Muslims is stated as “possiblein spite of everything”; on the basis of thecommon faith in God – the Document usesthe personal pronoun “We” – and it callsupon the entire faith community “to adopt aculture of dialogue as the path; mutual coop-eration as the code of conduct; reciprocal un-derstanding as the method and standard.” Inaccordance with previous international doc-uments, it reaffirms that faith unites and doesnot divide, it binds us together despite ourdifferences, and it dispels hostility and aver-sion. It also contains a further condemnationof all violence in the name of God, togetherwith a firm invitation to work and live to-gether, avoiding useless arguments, almostan invitation to Christians and Muslims tocompete with one another in doing good, inbuilding what is constructive, in zeal...

� What is the objective of the Centre forInterreligious Studies of the Gregorian fouryears since its creation?

The first aim of the Centre primarily con-sists in maintaining an open gaze, for everyscholar tends to absolutise his own field of re-search. This applies to me as an Islamologist,but also to philosophers, theologians, schol-ars of social sciences. The Centre presents it-self to the other academic departments of theGregoriana as a “window on the worlds” thatcorrespond to religions - with the exceptionof Judaism, studied at the Cardinal Bea Cen-tre for Judaic Studies. In reality, at the Grego-rian Uni versity a similar academic department

Cédomir Nestorovic(ESSEC BusinessSchool) andAlessandro Ferrari(University of Insubria) during two Forums of the GregorianCentre for InterreligiousStudies.

Left:The Holy FatherFrancis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar duringtheir visit to UnitedArab Emirates onFebruary 4, 2019.

� Photo by ANSA/L. ZENNARO


FOCUS

The Centre is planning the creation, inconjunction with other institutions, of a newinitiative consisting in a Research Laboratoryon Islamic Studies in Rome, already in placein other cities, also in Italy.

� Research is equally promoted throughweekly Forums…

The Forums, held on a regular basis forthe past 4 years, consist of discussion and de-bate sessions with expert speakers. Theseevents are open to the public and externalparticipants are motivated and prepared.They also provide a fruitful opportunity forcollaborations with other academic institu-tions.

� You direct the “Christianity and Islam”courses. Are they a�ended only by Chris-tians who want to deepen their knowledgeof Islam or does the opposite also occur?

In most cases, they are Christian students,since these courses are requested also by otherFaculties with a majority of Christian stu-dents. However, upon request we also createresearch paths for Muslims who want to learnmore about Christianity. It should be said thatChristianity generally adopts a very sensitive

approach when it comes to studying other re-ligions, according to the self-understanding ofeach rather than through the lens of its ownfaith. In this perspective, Islamic theologianAdnane Mokrani is one of our teachers.

� Formative Sessions are also part of theCentre’s academic programme. What’s theoverall evaluation?

Intensive formative courses constitute anintermediate formula between the Forumsand ordinary academic programmes. Forthree years, we offered two editions – one inItalian and one in French – of the Session witha focus on the moral, legal and theological-political challenges that Islam poses to 21stcentury societies, each with a significantnumber of registered students. This year theSessions will take place upon request of civiland religious institutions. We already havetwo requests from Italy and France.

� Finally, conferences represent yet an-other area of activity of the Centre for Inter-religious Studies...

Major events always entail the risk of rep-resenting a challenge in terms of organisationwhile their impact in the long term is mini-mal, which is why we prefer to propose afew, but well-prepared, events. Two suchevents have taken place so far. In 2017, thestudy course on “Religions and cultures ofAsia” organised the International Conferenceon Enlightenment and Tantra - Christians andHindus in Dialogue, which has been very suc-cessful and whose proceedings have recentlybeen published. Last July, the Gregorianhosted the Conference Islam and Belonging byPLURIEL, a university research platform forresearch on Islam in Europe and Lebanon, towhich our Centre has also adhered. The nextone will be held in Lebanon in 2020, on thetheme: Islam and Otherness. �

Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi (École

Pratique des HautesÉtudes) and

Fr. Diego SarrióCucarella, Principal of

PISAI,during a Forum.

� Photo by P. PEGORARO

Right:Our student

Isuf Alla with Dr. Massimo Gargiulo,

professor at theCardinal Bea Centre

for Judaic Studies.


by ISUF ALLA

My name is Isuf Alla and I come from thesouth-east of Albania. I hold a bache-lor’s degree in “Islamic Studies” and aMaster’s of Science Degree in “Modern Is-lamic Studies” from Hëna e Plotë Bedër Uni-versity, Tirana and the 2-year post-graduatediploma on “Judaism and Christian-JewishStudies from Pontifical Gregorian Univer-sity, Rome. During my five years of Islamicstudies in Albania, which is well known forits interreligious harmony, we had manyencounters with members of other religionsand in those meetings I met the Jesuit Fr.Mario Imperatori. He understood my inter-est in interreligious dialogue and told meabout the Declaration Nostra Aetate and atthat moment I realised that interreligiousdialogue was the path of my life. I was fas-cinated by the message of Nostra Aetate, andI decided that the theme of my thesis shouldbe a comparative study on Nostra Aetate be-tween a Christian and a Muslim scholar.

My Christian friends, a concrete exampleof what I learn in my lectures

In my research, I found a very interest-ing concept: that of a conversation involv-ing the three Abrahamic Religions. As aMuslim this concept challenged me tothink about pursuing further studies in Ju-daism and Christianity. Fr. Mario Imperatorihelped me again, writing a recommendationle�er to enrol at the Pontifical GregorianUniversity. I studied Judaism and Christian-Jewish Relations with a full scholarshipfrom Cardinal Bea Centre for Judaic Studies.

Since I entered the Gregoriana I imme-diately understood that it would have been

hard for me to leave this “big family” at the end of mystudies. Everyone here is so sincere, trustful, loving, andready to help. It is easy to make friends in just a few min-utes by grabbing a macchiato at the Greg Café and then re-alise that you will be friends for life. It is wonderful havingfriends from so many countries to share life and religiousexperiences with. I also found it extremely helpful to havemany Christian friends like Iris Semer and Ma�eo Pas-torelli, in whom I could see concrete examples of what Iwas learning in my lectures.

The professors: their help is not just about studies

Even the professors, here, always make sure that westudents have well understood what was said during thelessons. At the beginning of the year, they provided an up-dated bibliography, and after each lesson, they give ussome things to read in preparation for the next one and arealways available in person or by email, for any furtherquestions. I would like to mention Fr. Felix Körner S.J., Fr.Laurent Basanese S.J. and Fr. Etienne Emmanuel VetöC.N.N., who have helped me a lot not only with regard tomy studies, but also in my path of interreligious dialogueand in my life in Rome.

After the lessons, I actively participated in the pro-grammes organised by the university, such as conferences,forums or the singing of Christmas songs in the weeks be-

and I study ChristianityI am a Muslim


FOCUS

fore Christmas; the later activity is organised by groups ofstudents from different countries and languages: I enjoyedit a lot and for me the Armenian songs were very special.

Now, I am continuing the Diploma in InterreligiousStudies at the Gregorian Centre for Interreligious Studies,which fits perfectly with my research projects for the fu-ture in Muslim-Christians relations. I am finding this Cen-tre a great opportunity to deepen my own knowledge aswell as make a contribution to the understanding andanalysis of interreligious relations between those two re-ligions, with a view to peaceful coexistence. Moreover, Iwas supported by a full scholarship given by the PontificalGregorian University for continuing this diploma, and forthis I want to thank once more Fr. Filomeno Jacob and Fr.Laurent Basanese.

The tool that will allow the coexistence to be eternal

Being in Rome gave me also the opportunity to knowmembers of different religions and through them I visitedtheir dialogue centres, where I have participated regularly.

Christians and Muslims together form more than halfof the world’s population, which is why, in my opinion,good relations between Christianity and Islam is a keyfactor for bringing peace to the world. Dialogue betweenMuslims and Christians plays a fundamental role in ourcoexistence. The bases for this peace and understandingalready exists as these are part of the founding principlesof both faiths. Loving God, being peaceful and takingcare of the neighbour are only a few of the commongrounds between those two religions

Nowadays, with respect to globalisation,emigration, and war Christians and Muslimsrealize they are no longer separated either bygeographic location or by different politicalallegiances. The members of our religionsmust learn to coexist successfully and sharethis with the rest of the world. Commitmentto dialogue is crucial for such coexistence.

Education is an investment that can never be stolen

Moreover, in this period of fake newsand prejudice, the need of dialogue is espe-cially important. That is why I think thatteenagers of both religions should be edu-cated with the spirit of dialogue: they arethe future. If we give them material things,these can be stolen, but education is an in-vestment that can never be taken away.Therefore, in my opinion, the greatest trea-sure that we can give to the next generationis that we educate them so as to learn to di-alogue with each other.

To me, peace itself is not just being sep-arated from others without seeking mutualcontact. Peace is about security, justice andliving together. Human beings are socialcreatures and so each of us should strive tolive together with others, accepting themwhere they are at and taking them into ourheart no ma�er what their race, nationalityor religion may be.

As for the future, I think that people arenaturally scared of the unknown and this isone of the main reasons why they engage inconflicts. For a peaceful future, our duty is tohelp people overcome this fear by bringingthem together, and that is done by dialogue. Ithink the historical meeting between PopeFrancis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, DrAhmed El Tayyeb is the best example ofHuman Fraternity, showing that we must em-brace everyone because we are all humans. �

Iusuf and his fellow studentsat Ferrara, to visit the MEIS - National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah.

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for MissionariesA Renewal ProgramA Interview with Fr. Bryan Lobo, S.J.Dean of the Faculty of Missiology

Pope Francis has announced the month ofOctober 2019 as the Extraordinary Monthof Mission to celebrate the 100 years of theApostolic le�er – Maximum Illud (1919) ofPope Benedict XV. In these hundred years theworld has gone through many changes be itin the political, social and other fields. “Wemust bear in mind that Maximum Illud ap-peared after the First World War seeking tolaunch missionary initiatives to heal the post-war wounds of that time”, explains Fr. BryanLobo, who is a Jesuit and Dean of the Facultyof Missiology. “Today there is no dearth ofwars but the dynamics are different”.

� What were the most significant changesin missiology from that time?

First of all, the expression extra Ecclesiamnulla salus, which was used in pre-conciliartimes is no longer used in the missionary doc-uments of the Church. After the Second Vati-

can Council, other religions began to belooked at more positively; the Council gavean impetus to interreligious dialogue that hada strong impact on missiology at both the the-oretical and practical levels. We also find thatafter the book of Henri Godin and YvesDaniel, La France, Pays de Mission? (1943), mis-sion is no longer perceived geographically be-longing to regions outside Europe but isrecognized as the universal activity of theChurch. At the same time, the concept of mis-sio ad gentes goes hand-in-hand with missiointer-gentes. Finally the development of the in-digenous clergy which was an important pro-posal of Maximum Illud, led to manyindigenous vocations of Priests and Religiousmodifying profoundly the way of “beingChurch” in the world. The classical missiol-ogy which was the foundation of the worldview of Maximum Illud is revised in the light

ACADEMIC LIFE

by PAOLO PEGORARO


Faculty

tations from the students. Excursions andvisits to important archaeological and reli-gious sites related to the mission of theChurch will additionally be held on Satur-days. A pilgrimage to Jerusalem will be or-ganized in the second week of June 2020,providing a special insertion in the landfrom where the Christian mission began.

� The Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region – where the Church isconfronted with aggressive proselytism –will take place next October. Is aggressiveproselytism the style to be followed inCatholic evangelization?

Aggressive proselytism is always dan-gerous. It may be successful at first, but itdoesn’t last long... Aggression was not themodus procedendi of Our Lord. Catholicevangelization must always act as an invi-tation to others to embrace Christ - the Way,the Truth and the Life. In practice, this in-vitation takes on different shapes andforms, depending on the context. �

of modern research in biblical, theological,philosophical, anthropological and otherfields of study for a renewed and radicalproclamation of salvation in Christ.

� Missionary activity is marked by con-tinual renewal, to the extent that your Fac-ulty has started a “Renewal Program forMissionaries”. What does it consist in?

Over the past few years several missionar-ies - Jesuits and missionaries from other reli-gious orders, as well as lay faithful - informedme that they wished to a�end a brief forma-tion or intellectual “renewal” course. Whileseveral of them regularly come to Rome, theycannot enroll in university courses in Missiol-ogy as these courses are taught in Italian andthey have no time to study the language.There is a wealth of proposals and structuresthat the English-speaking world cannot ben-efit from. We thus decided to create the “Re-newal Program for Missionaries” entirely inEnglish, with a view to offering both a newand decisive impetus to their mission. We arealso confident that the interaction with theirconcrete experiences of mission will enrichacademic life. The Renewal Program willbegin in the coming academic year, registra-tion is now open, until December 17, 2019, at:[email protected]

� Which subjects will be addressed?Various topics will be offered in this

course. The biblical foundation of missionwill be accompanied by the study of its the-ological implications, the history of the mis-sions, and the theology of religions. ChurchMagisterium – from Probe Nostis (1840) toEvangelii Gaudium (2013) – will be studiedin depth, with a focus on the encyclicalLaudato Si’ (2015). Pastoral reflections willalso focus on spirituality, the relationshipbetween proclamation and dialogue, com-munication, new evangelisation, globalisa-tion, interculturality and religious funda-mentalisms. We will also be offering intro-ductory courses in different faiths present-ing them dialogically with Christianity.

� Will frontal lessons be coupled byother educational tools?

The Program includes seminars andworkshops revolving around individualthemes and proposals encouraging presen-

Hard work at Porto Velho (Brazil):in the Amazon basinevangelical slogansare ubiquitous.

Left:A school run by Jesuits, Gujarat State (India).



ACADEMIC LIFE

View of Puerto Nariño, (Amazonas

Department, Colombia)inhabited by

the Ticuna tribe andentirely pedestrianized.

Right:Rio Madeira

(Amazonas State,Brazil) invaded by

“floating cities” of gold seekers.


and prospects for Amazon: challenges

our Common Home

Maldonado the convocation of a Synod onAmazon, there was an air of uneasinessamong various governments, especially theGovernment of Brazil regarding the ques-tion of the state sovereignty and security.However, the ongoing preparations for theSynod on Amazon have been graduallytransforming spells of doubts and fears intoa great hope for the future.

As part of the ongoing study, researchand reflections on Amazon, a one-day Con-ference entitled Amazon: challenges andpropects for our Common Home, was organ-ised on May 16 2019 in the Aula Magna ofthe Pontifical Gregorian University. Its aimwas to propose viable and concrete answersto some of the most fundamental and burn-ing issues related to the Pan-Amazon Re-

The Amazon, the world’s largest rainfor-est and the ancestral home to more than400 indigenous tribes, has alwaysevoked a keen interest amongst non-Ama-zonian people, governments, multinationalcompanies, environmentalists and Churchauthorities. The Pan-Amazonian territory isalso home to rich and complex flora, faunaand biodiversity. The indiscriminate ex-ploitations of the precious natural and min-eral resources have raised serious concernsregarding the life and existence of the in-digenous peoples, the irreparable loss ofrich biodiversity and the imminent threat tothe tropical rainforests, which function asthe lung of the planet. On October 15 2017,when Pope Francis announced in Puerto

by PREM XALXO, S.J. Faculty of Theology


Faculty

David Romero S.J., a Jesuit mis-sionary in Amazon for many years,spoke on the challenges and possibil-ities for the pastoral mission and ac-tion of the Church. Pablo MoraMendonza S.J., one of the Officials ofthe Secretary General of the Synod onAmazon, bore heart-warming testi-monies of the mission in Amazon.Mauricio López, Executive Secretaryof REPAM, presented an analysis ofthe economic projects that threatenthe life and existence of the indige-nous people in Amazon. AdelsonAraújo dos Santos S.J., Professor ofSpirituality at the Pontifical Grego-rian University, explained the contri-butions of the indigenous spiritualityin Amazon. Gloria Liliana FrancoEcheverri ODN, President of theCaribbean and Latin American Con-federation of Religious, brought outthe role of the women in the AmazonChurch and the importance of Ama-zon for the integral human wellbeing.Fr. Augusto Zampini Davies from theDicastery for Promoting IntegralHuman Development underlined an

gion. Church authorities, Professors, SocialActivists, and experts on indigenous life,history, culture, tradition and spiritualitywere invited to share their views to safe-guard the Pan-Amazon region for the inte-gral human well-being. The Amazon,referred to as the Lung of our planet, is “abridge to other essential biomes of theworld” (Preparatory Document), and there-fore, the Conference invited the participantsto read the “signs of the times” from abroader perspective, and to respond to theinvitation of Pope Francis to “a new dia-logue about how we are shaping the futureof our planet” (LS 14) by seeing and judgingthe harsh realities, and acting worthily forthe integral human wellbeing.

Among the eminent Church authoritiespresent were Cardinal Cláudio HummesOFM, President of REPAM (Pan-AmazonEcclesial Network) and Emeritus Prefect ofthe Congregation for the Clergy, and Car-dinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno S.J.,Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru) and VicePresident of REPAM.

Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, Prefect ofthe Dicastery for Promoting Integral HumanDevelopment, opted for a video message inabsentia in the form of an interview.

Card. CláudioHummes, General Relatorat the Synod for thePan-Amazon Region,and Card. PedroRicardo BarretoJimeno, S.J., VicePresident of REPAM(Pan-Amazon EcclesialNetwork), during the conference.

� Photo by M. CORREA

Amazonian people. The Gregorian Univer-sity offered an apt platform to help themunderstand the importance and implica-tions of the Synod on Amazon by address-ing various issues from theological,spiritual and socio-cultural perspectives.

The Conference was introduced by avideo message of Cardinal Peter K.A. Turk-son. He strongly advocated the protectionof humans as well as natural resources ofAmazon, which is a global challenge requir-ing a “long-term vision” and “inter-gener-ational responsibility”. He also recalled thatthe upcoming Synod would be dedicatednot only to Pan-Amazonian regions, butalso to other equatorial areas such as theCongo Basin and similar areas in South-EastAsia. He made an ardent appeal not to limitourselves to our needs today; rather be heirsof a wisdom that has preceded us and thinkof those that will come later and manageour resources with a view to long-term de-velopment.

In his Keynote address, Cardinal Cláu-dio Hummes reiterated emphatically thatthe degradation of the Amazon, its defor-estation and pollution have put the futureof the planet at risk. He described in termsof listening the expectations that indigenouspeoples have of the Synod, because by mak-ing their voices heard, they are makingthemselves visible and their dignity beingrecognised by the Pope and the Church.

According to Cardinal Pedro Barreto,one of the visions of the Synod on Amazonwas the need of the Church to be a mission-ary Church with an Amazonian face, whichremained poor for the poor despite great dif-ficulties caused by the enormous distances,environmental discomforts and the acutescarcity of missionaries and local pastors.

The reflections of Adelson Araújo dosSantos from Manaus, who lived andworked in the Amazon, and two Jesuit mis-sionaries active in the region, DavidRomero and Pablo Mora Mendoza, broughtforth various unknown aspects of the ap-proximately 400 indigenous groups of thePan-Amazon Region. Two challenges andpossibilities surfaced repeatedly in theirtalks: the role of women in the Church, andgiving deserving older people a greater rolein administering the Sacraments to peoplewho, for a long time, miss the spiritual


ACADEMIC LIFE

intimate connection between Amazon anduniversal integral development. GiacomoCosta S.J., Director of Aggiornamenti Sociali,

explained the ways and means to listen tothe cry of the earth and the cry of the pooras an important path toward the Synod onAmazon. Tomás Insua, Executive Directorof Global Catholic Climate Change Move-ment, spoke on Amazon, Climate Change andthe Role of the Church. Finally, Roberto Car-rasco Rojas OMI, a Peruvian student fromthe Pontifical Salesian University shared hisexperiences as a Pastor of the indigenouspeople of Amazon.

With its gaze firmly fixed on the upcom-ing Synod, the Conference tried to respondto some of the pertinent questions, doubtsand fears prevalent in the minds of the non-

Mauricio López’sreport, Executive

Secretary of REPAM.


Right:A rare Catholic

church overlooking the confluence

of Rio Madeira and the Amazon River.


Giacomo Costa, the urgency of the Churchwith an Amazonian face to get out of theclichés and ideologies, and to listen to allsynodically, and not occasionally. By bring-ing to the fore, the right of the Pan-Amazo-nian indigenous people to their territory,their culture, language and to their ownmodel of development, the Conference un-derlined successfully the need of the houris to walk together so as to listen to “the cryof the earth and of the poor” (LS 49). �


Faculty

nourishment because of the scarcity of pas-tors and missionaries. Sister Gloria LilianaFranco Echeverri highlighted the essentialrole of women in the indigenous communi-ties, which needed to be valued in terms ofevangelisation. She expressed her hope thatthrough the ongoing preparations for theSynod, the feminine sensibility, the criterionwith which women judge reality, could beheard more carefully and allowed to beardesirable fruits.

As a whole, the Conference successfullyput on record various efforts made by theChurch from Populorum Progressio of PaulVI to Laudato si’ of Pope Francis in address-ing the concerns of the less privileged,marginalised and voiceless people. Indeed,the Synod for the Amazon could be a deci-sive test for the whole Church to take intoconsideration the life, existence, socio-cul-tural and religious values of those forgo�enpeople, to make the invisible visible and au-dible, and use their ancestral wisdom tocare for Our Common Home. Their profoundand rich cosmovision could teach some pre-cious lessons to the rest of the humanity,which could lead to a newer sense of com-munion and intercommunication where ev-eryone learns from the other. Finally, theConference also underlined, in the words of


ACADEMIC LIFE

of SilenceThe voice “S

ilence, Polyphony of God” is the onlyapparently paradoxical title of theconference promoted by the Faculty of

Theology of the Pontifical GregorianUniversity on 7, 8 and 9 March 2019. Theidea came from the experience of silence inwhich the word, the music and the life findspace. Talking, thinking, watching, prayingsilence was the invitation to the participants.

The reflections of Cardinal Robert Sarah,Prefect of the Congregation for DivineWorship and the Discipline of theSacraments, author of the book The Power ofSilence, opened the meeting. Beside him,Maestro Mario Brunello, an internationally

by the EDITORIAL STAFF

Faculty

renowned cellist, proposed a concert lesson aimed atillustrating the expressive value that pauses cover in musicallanguage.

On the second day, the speakers faced silence following aninterdisciplinary approach that brought together thetheological, biblical, philosophical, historical-artistic, musicaland spiritual points of view.

The exegetical path took place starting from the prologueof the Gospel of John (Bernadeta Jojko), guiding the reflectionamong the fragments of a silent but uninterrupted dialoguebetween God (Massimo Grilli) and humanity (PatriziaGalluccio). The tacit presence of the Holy Spirit (DariuszKowalczyk S.J.), a fruitful inspiration for saints’ meditations(Emanuela Zurli) and philosophers (Stefano Marchionni), thenled to the great mystery of the Incarnation (Barbara Aniello),addressed by the famous portraitists of Mary, teacher of silence(Msgr. Timothy Verdon).

An unprecedented journey inside the Vatican Museums(Maria Serlupi) has allowed the images to be enjoyed throughthe silent but eloquent sign language (LIS), while the monasticspirituality of the origins (Michelina Tenace) has beenindicated as a preferential route for a mystic who also knowsthe dark and taciturn suffering of the night of the soul (RobertCheaib).

Finally, a reflection on the saint of silence, Joseph, custodianof the Holy Family and of the Church (Fr. Patrice-MarieMézière, Superior of the Fraternity of the Holy Virgin Mary),a figure to whom Pope Francis is particularly devoted,concluded the works.

A note of particular originality was experienced on thethird day of the conference, with a visit to Civita di Bagnoregio(Viterbo), the silent city par excellence, alternating suggestivemoments of listening (Mario Brunello’s concert) and prayer(Mass and adoration at the Fraternity of the Holy Virgin Mary),interspersed with a visit to the birthplace of St. Bonaventure. �


The conference wasopened by a lectureby Card. RobertSarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worshipand the Discipline of the Sacraments,introduced by thegreetings from the Rector, Fr. Nunoda Silva Gonçalves,S.J., and Fr. DariuszKowalczyk, S.J.,Dean of the Faculty of Theology.

Left:The lesson-concert by Maestro MarioBrunello.

� Photo byM. CORREA

ACADEMIC LIFE

here anymore?Doesn’t God dwellNew life to decommissioned worship buildings

by OTTAVIO BUCARELLI,Pro-Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Church


The changing demographic and religious practice has made it necessary to reflect on the destination of Churchesno longer used for worship.This was the theme of the international conferenceDoesn’t God dwell here anymore? Decommissioningplaces of worship and integrated management of ecclesiastical cultural heritage.

On November 29-30 2018, the interna-tional Conference Doesn’t God dwell hereanymore? Decommissioning places of wor-ship and integrated management of ecclesiasticalcultural heritage, promoted by the PontificalCouncil for Culture (Department for Cul-tural Heritage), by the National Office forEcclesiastical Cultural Heritage of the Ital-ian Bishops’ Conference and by the Pontifi-cal Gregorian University - Department ofCultural Heritage of the Church was held atthe Pontifical Gregorian University.

Father Nuno da Silva Gonçalves S.J.,Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian Univer-sity; Card. Gianfranco Ravasi, President ofthe Pontifical Council for Culture; Mons.Stefano Russo, Secretary General of the Ital-ian Bishops’ Conference; Card. Angelo Bag-nasco, President of the Council of Bishops’Conferences of Europe; and Alberto Bon-isoli, Italian Minister for Cultural Heritageand Activities, delivered the welcome greet-


Faculty

ings at the opening session of the Confer-ence. The first day focused on problemspertaining to the decommissioning andreuse of worship buildings.

The morning speeches addressed theissue from sociological (L. Diotallevi),canonical (P. Malecha), technical-architec-tural (T. Coomans) and historical-artistic(M. de Beauchesne-Cassenet) perspectives.During the afternoon closed session, thedelegates of the national Bishops’ Confer-ences of Europe, North America and Aus-tralia presented an overview of the diversityof situations in the various Countries. Thechanges in the demographic and social sit-uation and in religious practice have madeit necessary to reflect on the destination of

churches that are no longer used for wor-ship. In the discussion, participants reiter-ated that the diverse use of an element ofecclesiastical heritage that the Church doesintend to relinquish should remain withinthe ecclesial sphere. The Message of theHoly Father Francis, read by CardinalRavasi at the opening session, also encour-ages us in this direction.

The second day of the Conference ad-dressed the management of cultural goods,understood as part of a long-term pastoralplan. Some experiences identified as virtu-ous, among the many possible ones, such asthose of the dioceses of Padua and Trapaniin Italy (A. Nante, L. Palmeri), of the dioce-ses of Catalonia (J. M. Riba Farrés), of Ger-many (A. Gerhards) and of Portugal (S.Saldanha) were presented after a generaloverview of the issue (V. Pennasso). Other na-tional experiences were presented in the after-noon. The public sessions can be viewed onthe channel www.youtube.com /UniGregoriana

The national delegates of 23 Bishops’Conferences of Europe, North America andAustralia read and approved the documentGuidelines: Decommissioning and EcclesialReuse of Churches on the last day, at the open-ing of the afternoon session. The Guidelines,consisting of five chapters and 11 final rec-ommendations, have been subsequentlypublished by the Pontifical Council forCulture, accompanied by an introductoryletter from Cardinal Ravasi, dated Decem-ber 17, 2018. �

Work in progress in the Aula Magna of the Gregoriana.

Left:One of the picturesthat won thephotocontest#nolongerchurches,which accompaniedthe conference:Galerie DavidD’Angers, formely All Saints abbatialchurch (XIII sec.),Angers, France.

� Photo by W. STROM HELENA


ACADEMIC LIFE

of knowledge Crossroads

Highlights of the new academicofferings of the Gregorian include the seminar “Bible Psychoanalysis” and the“Diploma in Leadership”.The two programmes, addressed to a broad public, consist of monthly appointments featuring inter-institutional cooperation

Looking ahead to the new academic year,two paths of learning, the seminar “Bibleand Psychoanalysis” and the “Diplomain Leadership”, that will be renewed nextyear, constitute a specific and original fea-ture of the institutions in Rome. Both reapthe fruits of past years while addressing thechallenges of exploring some of the fron-tiers of dialogue embedded in the Gregori-ana and in the urbi et orbi horizon. Theseacademic offerings are addressed to thewidest possible audience, notably towhomever wishes to undertake the effortand challenge of personal research, as wellas a genuine and credible reflection on coreissues pertaining to the human conditiontoday. The monthly classes characterisingthe two academic programmes were at-tended by a significant audience of students,researchers and professionals, motivated bya deep interest in cultural advancement.

by STEFANO DEL BOVE, S.J.Faculty of Social Science


This steadily growing response from thepublic, in terms of quantity and quality alike,constitutes a clear and strong encourage-ment to pursue and refine the chosen path.

Updating the University’s mission

The seminar “Bible and Psychoanalysis”and the “Diploma in Leadership” respondto the mission of the university, and makethe Alberto Hurtado Centre of Faith andCulture of the Gregoriana a crossroads ofcollaboration between different areas of theChurch and of civil society: the Research In-stitute for Applied Psychoanalytic Studies(IRPA) and the Vicariate of Rome for the“Bible and Psychoanalysis” seminar, andthe Faculty of Social Sciences for the“Diploma in Leadership”. This collabora-

Centre

tive approach is intended to serve as a bestpractice in academic planning and in the lifeof our university.

We proposed to rethink the relationshipbetween psychoanalysis and the experienceof faith recorded in Scripture with the aimof illustrating just how many core biblicalthemes can be found in theoretical psycho-analytic studies.

At the same time, we wanted to redefinethe exercise of authority in a way thatwould inspire others, be they individuals,small groups, civil or religious institutions.Both the political and the ecclesial scenarios,undergoing deep transformations, are rais-ing this question again and again todaywhile se�ing new goals for the figure of theleader and his responsibility.

PsychoanalystMassimo Recalcati’sLesson on the “Nightof the Getsemani”,proposed in thecontext of theSeminar “Bible andPsychoanalysis”,recorded a largeturnout.



ACADEMIC LIFE

Complementing vocational trainingwith values education

The integration between frontal lessonsand the ensuing discussions, the personali-sation of administrative services, welcomeand institutional communication, have allbeen carefully examined.

Rather than focusing on the consolidatedstructures of the different ways of exercisingpower, we initiated research into the capac-ity for transformation that defines collabo-rative processes and genuine cooperativeenterprises, starting with shared learning.

The future developments of these twolines of research should be seen in this light.Today more than ever, we need to be ableto guide, orient and support people, espe-cially during significant transitions. Com-bining technical and vocational trainingwith values education for integral develop-ment - solidarity, ethics, justice, dignity andsustainability - is key to the effectiveness ofour educational offerings. Moreover, weconsider it equally important to set this area

of learning in a global context, based on anew anthropological reading of the humanperson and community life.

That is why both academic programmes,each in their own specific way, have con-curred to rethink the emerging forms oflearning and knowledge, notably of serviceand governance apropos of their proceduraland participatory nature, their inspiringspirit and their inherent language.

The invitation to a�end these courses isalso being renewed with increasing focuson the selection of speakers, course descrip-tion, with an overview of the schools ofthought offered by the “Bible and Psycho-analysis” seminar along with a significant,structural development of the “Diploma inLeadership”, whose second module is de-voted to an introduction to the fundamen-tals, best practices and ethical reflectionspertaining to the management of associa-tions and institutions that our students di-rect and will be directing in increasingnumbers in the many countries (about 120)that make the Gregoriana an ecclesiasticaluniversity at the service of the Church inevery unreached corner of the world. �

The authentic leader emerges

and is recognisedduring crisis.

Rembrandt H. van Rijn,

Christ in the Stormon the Sea of Galilee

(1633).

Centre

2018-2019 The Year of Cardinal Bea50th Anniversary †

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the passing away of Cardinal Augustin Bea,the Centre for Judaic Studiesthat bears his name organised a Lecture Series to commemoratehis achievements in the dialogue between Catholics and other Christians and Jews


1963 - CardinalAugustin Bea with Rabbi AbrahamJoshua Heschel (AJC),Jewish observer duringVatican II Council.

� Photo used by permission of theAmerican JewishCommittee (AJC)

ACADEMIC LIFE

Fifty years ago, on 16 November 1968, Au-gustin Bea passed away. Rector of the Bib-licum and a main actor of the II VaticanCouncil, Bea was paramount in the new re-lations that developed between the CatholicChurch and other Christians and with Jews.The Bea Centre for Judaic Studies dedicateda 2018-2019 Lecture Series to his commemo-ration in collaboration with the PontificalBiblical Institute (PIB), Pontifical Council forPromoting Christian Unity and Center forthe Study of Christianity at the Hebrew Uni-versity of Jerusalem.

by the CARDINAL BEA CENTRE FOR JUDAIC STUDIES

Each conference featured an historicalcontribution. Dr Sare�a Maro�a (KU Leu-ven) presented Bea’s Dedication to Jewish-Christian Relations and Prof. MathijsLamberigts (KU Leuven) explored Bea’s rolein Ecumenism. Two of Bea’s successors shedlight on his contributions: Prof. Michael F.Kolarcik, S.J., Rector of the PIB with Bea: asRector of the PIB and Cardinal Kurt Koch,President of the Pontifical Council for Pro-moting Christian Unity, with The Heritage ofCardinal Bea.

At the 18th Annual Brenninkmeijer-Werhahn Lecture in November, Rewriting‘Nostra Aetate’ Today, Prof. Israel J. Yuval(Hebrew University of Jerusalem) spoke onhow after the Council, Jews could morefreely consider the Catholic Church and Ju-daism itself academically. Prof. René Daus-ner (Universität Hildesheim) showed thatthe achievements made are both consider-able and fragile. At the December lecture onBiblical Studies, Jewish, Catholic and Protes-tant biblists presented The Bible from Three‘Points of View’: Prof. Peter Machinist (Har-vard Divinity School), Prof. Daniele Garrone(Waldensian Faculty of Theology, Rome)and Prof. Jean Louis Ska, S.J. (PIB). Rabbi DrDavid Meyer (Bea Centre) presided. At theFebruary lecture on Ecumenical dialogue,Charism of Unity and Petrine Ministry, mod-erated by Msgr. Brian Farrell, LC, Bishop-Secretary of the Pontifical Council forPromoting Christian Unity, Prof. André


A panel discussionwith Prof. Etienne Vetö(Director, Bea Centre),

Rabbi David Rosen(AJC - American

Jewish Committee)and H. Em. CardinalKurt Koch, President

of the PontificalCouncil for Promoting

Christian Unity.

Below:H.E. Mr Oren David,Israeli Ambassador

to the Holy See, with Mrs. Aldegonde

Brenninkmeijer-Werhahn.

� Photo: Courtesy of FOTOGRAFIA PACIFICI


and anti-Semitism today. The April closinglecture explored Reading Scripture Togetherwith Prof. Amy-Jill Levine (Vanderbilt Uni-versity) presenting a Jewish reading of theNew Testament and Prof. Jean-Pierre Son-net, S.J. (Pontifical Gregorian University), aCatholic reading of the Rabbinic tradition.Prof. Peter Dubovsky, S.J. (PIB) presided.

“How are we to continue this journey?”reflected Pope Francis in his February ad-dress. “There is a need to set out on another,broader [path]: that of making known thefruits of the dialogue, so that it will not re-main the prerogative of a select few, but be-come a productive opportunity for many.” �

Centre

Birmelé (Université de Strasbourg), DrMaximos Vgenopoulos, Metropolitan ofSilyvria and Prof. Angelo Maffeis (UniversitàCa�olica del Sacro Cuore, Milano) presentedLutheran, Orthodox and Catholic perspec-tives on the Bishop of Rome.

“Dialogue calls for hearing two voices,and the witness of Jewish and Catholic in-structors who teach together is worth morethan many speeches.” On 28 February 2019,in a private audience given to the Bea Centreat the Vatican, Pope Francis said, “I wouldlike to emphasize the fruitful advancesmade in dialogue between Jews andCatholics after Bea and following his exam-ple. Your Centre represents a fundamentalstep on this journey.”

In March, the Centre enjoyed collaborat-ing with the AJC (American Jewish Com-mi�ee). “Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschelhad a great role in Nostra Aetate so it was aprivilege to collaborate with them for thismilestone dialogue,” highlights Bea CentreDirector Prof. Etienne Vetö, who moderated“Jewish-Catholic Relations in the FrancisEra: Achievements and Challenges”, whereAJC International Director of InterreligiousAffairs, Rabbi David Rosen and CardinalKurt Koch discussed the unique relation theCatholic Church has with the Jewish people

From Left to Right:H.E. Dr MaximosVgenopoulos,Metropolitan of Silyvria;H. Em. Cardinal KurtKoch; and Prof. Amy-JillLevine (VanderbiltUniversity).

Below:Prof. Michael F.Kolarcik, S.J.Rector of the PontificalBiblical Institute,with Rabbi Dr DavidMeyer (Bea Centre).



Cosponsored by the Pontifical Biblical In-stitute, the Cardinal Bea Centre for Ju-daic Studies at the Pontifical GregorianUniversity, the American Jewish Commi�ee(AJC), the Italian Bishops Conference, Ver-bum and other institutions, the internationalconference “Jesus and the Pharisees. An inter-disciplinary reappraisal” has brought togetherexperts on the various sources related to thePharisees, as well as on their reception his-tory and the stereotypes it has engendered.The conference combined a multidisci-plinary approach to all the ancient sourcesabout the Pharisees, with careful a�ention tothe effects of opinions voiced about this fre-quently stereotyped group.

«The conference first dealt with the pos-sible origins and meanings of the name“Pharisee” in different languages», explainsProf. Joseph Sievers, from the Pontifical Bib-lical Institute. «After a round table discus-sion of the results concerning the “historical”Pharisees, the second part of the conferencewas devoted to the history of the interpreta-tion of the Pharisees and its effects, from Pa-tristic Literature, to Medieval Jewishinterpretations, to Passion Plays, the Movies,Religion Text Books, and Homiletics».

«This year on May 7th, 2019, the Pontifi-cal Biblical Institute celebrates its 110th an-niversary from its foundation by Pope PiusX in 1909. The Pope wanted to have inRome his own school of research and higherstudies dedicated to Sacred Scripture – theBible. This International Conference, Jesus

ACADEMIC LIFE

by JOSEPH SIEVERS - PAOLO PEGORAROPontifical Biblical Institute

Jesus and the Pharisees

and the Pharisees, is one way in which we arecelebrating our 110th Anniversary», said Fr.Michael Kolarcik, S.J., Rector of the Pontifi-cal Biblical Institute. For this reason, aftertwo days full of reflection and debate, in themorning of Thursday May 9th, the partici-pants of the conference were received in pri-vate audience by the Holy Father at the SalaClementina.

The conference brought together Jew-ish, Protestant, Catholic, and non-religiousscholars from Argentina, Austria, Canada,Colombia, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, theNetherlands and the United States. Amongthem are the rabbis David Rosen (AJC),Abraham Skorka (Buenos Aires) and Ric-cardo Di Segni (Rome), as well as Prof.Amy-Jill Levine (Vanderbilt University),who taught “New Testament” to the Pon-tifical Biblical Institute. «For Jews, to knowwho the Pharisees were and what the Phar-isees taught is to recover part of our his-tory», she said. «For Christians, how thePharisees are represented in the New Tes-tament, positively and negatively, has im-pacted not only teaching and preaching,but also their relations with Jews. This con-

Speakers of theconference “Jesus

and the Pharisees”.

� Photo byM. CORREA


homilies? According to the speakers, it isnecessary – from a historical point of view– to redefine the Christian movement withinJudaism or rather the Judaisms of the firstcentury. Within this plurality, the movementthat starts from Jesus and the pharisaic oneare in fact «brothers and different». Aftercenturies of critical surveys, which insistedmostly on the controversy between Jesusand the Pharisees, the organisers affirm, it isurgent to return to dealing, on the historical-critical level, with the points of contact be-tween Jesus and the Pharisees.

The search for personal and social trans-formation, with a commitment to seek whatbelongs to the “authentic will of God” (“jus-tice”) is a legacy both of the Pharisaic move-ment and of the movement of Jesus and hisdisciples; the fulfilment of the Torah, whichbelongs to the basic structure of the Gospelof Ma�hew, is not very far from the searchfor Pharisaic perfection. Elements such astrust in God, judgment, faith in the resur-rection, the expectation of future fulfil-ment... belong to the tradition of bothrabbinic Judaism and Christianity. �

ference also contributed to addressing press-ing issues of antisemitism, stereotyping, andbearing false witness against the other».

Internationally renowned experts whogave lectures included Harold A�ridge(Yale), Yair Furstenberg (Hebrew Univer-sity, Jerusalem), Adela Yarbro Collins (Yale),Hermut Löhr (Bonn), Steve Mason (Gronin-gen), Eric Meyers (Duke), Vered Noam (TelAviv), Adele Reinhar� (O�awa), Ma�hiasSkeb, O.S.B. (Gregorian University), GünterStemberger (Vienna), Juan-Manuel Grana-dos S.J., Henry Pa�arumadathil S.J., CraigMorrison O.Carm. (Pontifical Biblical Insti-tute), Jens Schröter (Berlin), Philip Cunning-ham (Philadelphia).

In addition, Christian Stückl, the artisticdirector of the famous Oberammergau Pas-sion Play, gave a special presentation aboutimportant changes made to the script of theplay and Angela La Delfa presented a smallexhibit about “Pharisees in Art.”

The two final papers were offered byProf. Levine and Prof. Massimo Grilli (Gre-gorian University). A crucial question ishow to speak more adequately about thePharisees, not only in academia but also in


GREG COMMUNITY

Fr. Philipp G. Renczes ,S.J.

and Dr. Katharina A. Fuchs. previous

delegates of theFreisemester.

Right:Br. Paul Schroffner,S.J. and Mr. DanielZanibellato are the

delegates of the Freisemester

starting from 2018-2019

academic year.

The “Freisemester” programmeoffers German speaking studentsthe opportunity to study at the Faculty of Theology of the Gregoriana for one or two semesters.Originally established for seminarians, the “Freisemester”programme is today very muchappreciated by lay students,both male and female

The “Freisemester” programme was es-tablished over 30 years ago at the initia-tive of the German Bishops’ Conferencethat encouraged all seminarians to spend ayear away from the College and their Fac-ulty at the end of first part of their studies.In response to this initiative, the GregorianUniversity offered German seminarians thepossibility to continue their studies in Romefor a year. Over the years the “Freisemester”programme became increasingly popularamong seminarians and not only in Ger-many. Li�le by li�le, seminarians from otherGerman-speaking countries - such as Aus-tria, Swi�erland or - in Italy (South Tyrol),joined the programme. In the last 15 yearsthe programme has become increasinglymore accessible to lay and female studentsas well, who now make up a large part of the“Freisemester” group. Native German-speaking students enrolled in other pontifi-cal or other universities in Rome also applyfor admission to the programme.

an opportunity forenrichment

Freisemester,

by KATHARINA A. FUCHSInstitute of Psychology, Centre for the Protection of Minors


understanding of Theology, the universalChurch and faith.

� Whom to contactFor many years, the “faces”, i.e. the ref-

erence persons delegated by the Dean, wereFr. Philipp Renczes S.J., Professor at the Fac-ulty of Theology, and Dr. Katharina A.Fuchs, associate professor at the Institute ofPsychology and the Centre for the Protec-tion of Minors. As of the academic year2018-2019, the new delegates are Br. PaulSchroffner S.J., Lecturer at the Faculty ofTheology, and Mr. Daniel Zanibellato, a Li-centiate student in Moral Theology.

We are pleased to see that over the yearsthe programme has remained a�ractive forstudents and all those requesting informa-tion for admission each year. Informationcan be requested by e-mail (www.unigre.it/Freisemester), by phone or in person at theFreisemester Office - located on the fifth floorof Palazzo Traspontina - which also offerssupport to students during their studies. �

� What does it offer? How is it organised and by whom? The

“Freisemester” programme is offered by theFaculty of Theology to students who enrolat the Gregoriana for one or two semesters.It offers a wide range of First Cycle classesof the Faculty of Theology under the guid-ance of a tutor, as well as some specialcourses in German. With the approval of therespective heads of Department, it is some-times possible to enrol in a course of an-other Faculty or another Institute, or inanother cycle of the Faculty of Theology.This makes it possible to actively collabo-rate at seminar level and to integrate studiesat the university or the faculty concerned.

In addition to the academic offer of theGregoriana, personal and interpersonal en-counters, notably the interaction with teach-ers and students from all over the world,contribute to the development of a deeper

Testimonies / The best decision

«Being a student at the Gregoriana means being partof a large international family; re-experiencing the uni-versal Church spiritually and academically and enjoying breaksin the beautiful Greg Café with people from all over the world.We German-speaking students can enjoy these wonderful ex-periences easily and with expert support thanks to theFreisemester programme. I am very happy about the time Ispent here in Rome, and now I know: it was my best decision!»

EVA-MARIA SINGERFreisemester student A.Y. 2018-19

Testimonies / Broadening our horizons

«From my point of view - as a German Freisemester stu-dent - studying under this programme broadens the hori-zons of reflection: the various courses illustrate scientific theologyin all its breadth and its connection with the related disciplines.Against the backdrop of the city of Rome and the internationalityof the Pontifical Gregorian University, this theology is integratedinto the totality of the universal Church»

MORITZ VOGELBACHERFreisemester student A.Y. 2018-19


GREG COMMUNITY

from the Gregorian Four postcards

by DAVID ANGELES GARNICA

David Garnica, Gregorian alumnus, doctor and philosopher –his doctoral dissertation, directed by Fr. Flannery S.J.,received the Bellarmino Award in 2018 – shares the memories of his student years and their still powerful impact on his life

My name is David and I am a former stu-dent at the Faculty of Philosophy where,after completing a Bachelor’s degree andthe Licentiate, I finally obtained my Doctor-ate. I returned to Mexico two years ago to startliving out the message that I read every timeI went to the student chapel: πορευθέντεςµαθητεύσατε.”Go and teach” (Mt 28:19).

I wish to share some significant snapshotsof my experience at the Gregoriana with fourimages, four “postcards.”

The first postcard is a portrait of my pro-fessors. From them, during the six years ofstudies at the Gregoriana, I have learned toseek excellence in intellectual activity. Thisquest for excellence and the kindness withwhich it has been transmi�ed to me haveyielded the fruits enjoyed today by my stu-dents - future doctors and seminarians - at theuniversity and seminary of my city, Morelia.

In fact, as a result of the university educa-tion received, I was assigned to the BioethicalStudies programme at the Faculty ofMedicine. This postcard is therefore dedicatedto my professors and to their great commit-ment, whose fruits have spread far beyondthe classrooms in which they taught.

Another postcard illustrates my friends.The friendships born during the lessons andthe breaks at the Greg Café live on, markedby the sharing of languages, approaches, andthe diversity of our gifts. Even at a distance,friends have been present. The completion ofseveral projects that might not otherwise haveseen the light of day is due to them. I am hon-

David with hisdoctoral advisor,

Fr. Kevin Flannery S.J.His dissertation has

been published in theseries Analecta

Gregoriana with thetitle El caballo negro

del Phaedrus.Demonstra, mostrar

y armonizar elconflicto del alma

(Gregorian & BiblicalPress, pp. 264).



Alumni

oured by this faithful and constant presence of Gregorianafriends in my professional and personal life. Thanks to thismulticultural richness which is inherent in me and whichoften helps me, the University where I teach is developing anintercultural education programme, and, with a group ofphilosophers friends in particular, a centre of philosophicalresearch is being created to offer points for reflection on thecurrent challenges.

The opportunity to be a tutor at the Gregoriana was oneof my best experiences: this is a very special postcard!

Learning the art of shared reflection, alongside my profes-sors and students from the first cycle of philosophy, has beena privilege for me. The kind of philosophy professor I amtoday is a result of their patience and trust shown in that yearof tutoring.

The last postcard is my life at the Lay Centre. Being a stu-dent at the Gregoriana, I enjoyed the experience of hospitalityat the Lay Centre throughout the period of my studies inRome. It was a real and true home, founded by Donna Orsutoand Rieckie van Velzen - with three very good chefs and avery friendly staff - that houses some 20 students from world

countries and different religious traditions.In this house I found true friends who be-lieved in me and accompanied me alongmy intellectual, cultural and faith journeyin Rome.

The welcoming collaboration between theGregoriana and the Lay Centre acted as afruitful leaven that fermented the doughwith which I arrived in Rome making me

today the bread I can share with others in Mexico...Πορευθέντες µαθητεύσατε. Through welcome, the Gre-

goriana encourages us to share and teach. Through teaching,I continue to learn. �

GREG COMMUNITY

past and present Walking amidst

Students and teachers sharing some leisure timeand, at the same time, discover even the most hidden treasure of Rome:this is the Roman Walk

The Roman Walk is an activitylaunched by the Student Rela-tions Office. The idea took shapein 2013 at the initiative of students,foreign and non, wishing to step outfrom the daily academic environ-ment by seizing the opportunity todiscover and tour Rome. Mindful ofthe great fortune of living andstudying in the heart of the capital,they wished to get to know it moredeeply, focusing not only on thecity’s best-known a�ractions, suchas the Coliseum or St. Peter’s, butalso on its lesser-known delights.

Each tour usually follows a spe-cific theme for each itinerary: icono-graphic, thematic, historical, etc.Morning outings are followed by alunch provided by the Greg Cafè,

by JAYA DI DOMENICO - EMANUELA BELLI



ence for participants, who at the end of theday express their appreciation and wish toparticipate in the next tours.

During the walks we realise that what forus students of Cultural Heritage of theChurch is the subject of daily studies, be-comes a pleasant and exciting discovery forstudents of other faculties.

We are now in our third year organisingthe Walks; for us it is first and foremost an op-portunity to serve the student community,but it is also a further reason to explore thecity of Rome in greater depth, a city that is al-ways a treasure trove of surprises.

The first Walk of the year took placeunder the guidance of Dr. Barbara Aniello,professor at the Faculty of History and Cul-tural Heritage of the Church, who accompa-nied us into the discovery of some artworksby Caravaggio, hence the name of the walk:“Caravaggio. The iconography of light.”

Another Walk, held in the afternoon -guided by Dr. Cecilia Proverbio, professor atthe Faculty of History and Cultural Heritage ofthe Church - took place at the end of March andled us to the rediscovery of St. John Lateran andthe Holy Stairs. �

which becomes an opportunity to share thefeelings and impressions experienced duringthe walk.

There generally are four outings a year onSaturdays so as not to interfere with thelessons thus allowing everyone to participate.We invite the university professors, mostlyfrom the Faculty of History and Cultural Her-itage of the Church, who offer their time andtheir knowledge to accompany us in the re-discovery of Rome’s artistic treasures.

Aside from being a time for leisure, thisinitiative represents an opportunity to raiseawareness and bring art closer to those whoare not involved in the historical-artistic sec-tor. It nevertheless represents an opportunityfor friendship, exchange, meeting betweenstudents and teachers of various faculties, inthe spirit of sharing inherent in our academicenvironment.

Normally everyone can take part in thisactivity not limited by number. This, how-ever, is at the discretion of the professor guid-ing the group. It also depends on which sitesare visited, as there may be specific require-ments to be met. It is a very pleasant experi-

Jaya and Emanuela,authors of the article,invite their friendsEliash e Jeevan.

� Photo by R. SICILIANI

Left:“Caravaggio. Theiconography of light”was the title of a Walk led by Dr. Barbara Aniello to discoverMichelangelo Merisi’smasterworks in Rome


GREG COMMUNITY

one hundred yearsof Gregorianum

The first

The journal Gregorianum celebrates its firstone hundred years, during which it hasparticipated in the main debates theRoman Catholic Church has faced. Its firstissue was published in January 1920, tenyears before the University moved to itsnew location in Piazza della Pilo�a. «On oc-casion of the hundredth anniversary, thefourth issue of 2019 will be dedicated to thejournal development during this period»,explains the current director, Fr. HenrykPietras S.J. «There will be articles on the dif-ferent disciplines wri�en by the authors

by the EDITORIAL STAFF

who, in the course of the years, have shapedGregorianum, and made it well known andappreciated worldwide».

The journal contains original scientificworks on Holy Scripture, Theology (Funda-mental, Dogmatic, Patristic, Moral), Spiritu-ality and Philosophy; contributions arewri�en in French, English, Italian, Por-tuguese, Spanish and German.

The structure of the first issue would be-come fully traditional in the successiveyears; in the first place were «Articles» fol-lowed by «Notes», «Reviews», and finally


Periodicals

Hans Urs von Balthasar, and Karl Rahner,S.J. Some of the in-house authors were alsoquite famous, as the Jesuit professorsBernard Lonergan, Juan Alfaro, PeterHenrici, Angel Antón, Josef Fuchs, Maria-susai Dhavamony and Hervé Carrier. Theensemble of these wise scholars illustrateshow much the ancient and living traditionof the Church was once again finding its fulldignity in theology.

Year after year, Gregorianum offered anever-greater number of issues that dealt withcommon themes. Since 2003, under the di-rection of Paul Gilbert, S.J., professor ofmetaphysics, Gregorianum has been regularlypresenting groups of articles on various sub-jects of interest for theology and philosophy,considering in particular the fifty years sincethe Second Vatican Council.

The review section of Gregorianum is oneof the most appreciated. The reviews are theburden solely of teachers at the University,of which they thus present the major posi-tions, not always directly but at least in theoblique manner of a review.

In 2011, Fr. Roland Meynet, S.J. was ap-pointed director of Gregorianum, office thathe held until December 2016, when he wassucceeded by Fr. Henryk Pietras, S.J. �

«Scientific News». At the beginning of 1921,however, a fifth section, «Elenchus biblio-graphicus», was added, and in the middle ofthat same year, a sixth, «Conspectus biblio-graphicus», commonly referred to as «TheBulletin», was added as well.

The authors of the first issue were highlyrenowned and in the following years, manyof those who published in Gregorianum en-joyed great authority in the theologicalworld as well as with the Holy See. The firstcontributors were for the most part profes-sors at the Gregoriana, all of them membersof the Society of Jesus. Exceptions to the rulethat the authors should be members of theSociety of Jesuits were rare, the femininepresence made itself evident from 1946, andin the following years, the participation ofnon-Jesuits would grow.

The newness of Second Vatican Counciland its requirements regarding the mannerof doing and teaching theology werestrongly affirmed in two special issues in1969 at the initiative of Peter Henrici, S.J., di-rector of Gregorianum from 1968. Some ofthe authors for these issues who were notpart of the Gregoriana teaching faculty wereauthors of great authority, for example,

The 13 Directors of Gregorianum

1920 Giuseppe Filograssi (Professor of Biblical Theology)1920 - 1935 Domenico Palermo Lazzarini1935 - 1945 Charles Boyer (Professor of Systematic Philosophy)1945 - 1951 Georges Delannoye (Professor of Metaphysics)1951 - 1954 Zoltán Alszeghy (Professor of Dogmatic Theology)1954 - 1958 Filippo Selvaggi (Professor of Cosmology)1958 - 1968 William Van Roo (Professor of Sacramental Theology)1968 - 1971 Peter Henrici (Professor of Modern Philosophy)1971 - 1985 Karl Becker (Professor of Dogmatic Theology)1985 - 2003 Jacques Dupuis (Professor of Dogmatic Theology)2003 - 2011 Paul Gilbert (Professor of Metaphysics)2011 - 2016 Roland Meynet (Professor of Biblical Theology)2016 Henryk Pietras (Professor of Patristic Theology)

Left:Title page of the firstissue of Gregorianum.


Below:Some of Gregorianumdirectors:Charles Boyer,Filippo Selvaggi,Karl Beckerand Paul Gilbert.


BOOKS & PERIODICALS

Amaury Begasse de Dhaem, S.J. et alii (edd.)

Deus summe cognoscibilis. The Current Theological Relevance of Saint Bonaventure

Leuven - Paris - Bristol, Peeters (BETL),2018, pp. 716 Karlijn Demasure, Katharina

A. Fuchs, Hans Zollner, S.J.(edd.)

Safeguarding: Reflecting on ChildAbuse, Theology and Care

Leuven - Paris - Bristol, Peeters(Centre for Child Protection),2018, pp. 237

Paul Gilbert, S.J.

Introduction à la réflexion philoso-phique: la sagesse et ses amis

Bruxelles - Namur - Paris, Lessius (Donner raison), 2018, pp. 248

Felix Körner, S.J. (Hg.)

Glaube in Gesellschaft: AnkaranerStimmen zur Politischen Theologie

Freiburg im Breisgau, Herder VerlagGmbH (Georges Anawati Stiftung),2019, pp. 263

Bryan Lobo, S.J. (ed.)

Enlightenment and Tantra. Hindusand Christians in Dialogue

Roma, Gregorian & Biblical Press (Documenta Missionalia)2018, pp. 264

Roland Meynet, S.J.

Le Psautier. Troisième livre (Ps 73-89)

Leuven - Paris - Bristol, Peeters(Rhetorica Biblica et Semitica),2019, pp. 269

Samuele Sangalli (ed.)

Immigration. Understanding and Proposals

Roma, Gregorian & Biblical Press, 2018, pp. 368

Rossano Zas Friz De Col, S.J.

The Transforming Presence of Mystery: A Perspective of Spiritual Theology

Leuven - Paris - Bristol, Peeters(Studies in Spirituality Supplements),2019, pp. VI-137

Jaime Emilio Gonzalez Magaňa, S.J.

Amar y servir hasta la muerte.Identidad sacerdotal y configuración con Cristo

Ciudad de México, Societas Librorum, 2019

Gregorianum Archivum HistoriaePontificiae

Periodica de Re Canonica

Subscriptions: www.gbpress.orgPontificio Istituto Biblico,

Piazza della Pilo�a, 35 - 00187 Roma (Italia)Tel. +39 06 6781567 - E-mail: [email protected]

PERIODICALS


SOCIAL MEDIA

On our YouTube channel you can find a lot of English contents. Look for them on youtube.com/unigregoriana

or find directly the playlist “English” on http://bit.ly/unigreEnglish

Subscribe to the channel & activate notifications!

Cultural Heritage of the Church * InternationalConference - Innovative solutionsfor the decommissioned churches

Spirituality * Lecture SeriesThe personal experienceof reconciliation of an Irish Jesuit

Theology * IV Annual Lonergan LectureThe Desire to see God:Natural or Supernatural?

Theology * EcumenismSalvation by Grace Trought Faith.Re-reading the Discussion After 55 Years

Social Sciences * Lecture Prof. John BorelliLearning from Interreligious Dialogue:From Colonial to a Global Understanding

Judaic Studies * Lecture SeriesThe Year of Cardinal Bea50th Anniversary (+1968)

Biblical Studies * International conferenceJesus and the Pharisees.Closing Session

Faith and Culture * Book PresentationImmigration: Understanding and ProposalsForeword by Card. Pietro Parolin

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to keep offering this service to the best oand the generosity of many friends, benestudents coming from different countries

ontifical Ghe P T•1 55the world since 1e have been promoting excellence and

Endowments for developmentof research and

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f our abilities.efactors and alumni will allow us to invest new forces as s where they will go back to build the local church’s futurGregorian University’s mission is the intellectual and hum

Management and increase of digital and book acquisitions;

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well as resources

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[email protected]:or contact us2T84A Bic Swift: CCRTIT•Iban: IT74 I050 1803 2000 0000 0118 079

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Pontificia Universitas Gregoriana1551 - 2019

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