Pope to Catholic Educators

Pope Benedict XVI addressed leaders of Catholic colleges and universities, and spoke about the true meaning of the Catholic identity of a college. It is not a matter of statements of beliefs or values - it is rather "a question of conviction" - a conviction that is visible and vibrant when it is present.

In describing this conviction, the Pope asked a series of questions that reminded me strongly of the talk we had on campus recently by Dennis O'Brien, author of The Idea of a Catholic University, who spoke of the search for truth through science and through the arts - but emphasized a third dimension, search for being an expert about God, of knowing God (not knowing about God) as the hallmark of a Christian education.

Pope Benedict's questions - which any faculty member or administrator at a Catholic college or university could ponder - included:

• Do we really believe that only in the mystery of the Word made flesh does the mystery of man truly become clear?
• Are we ready to commit our entire self -- intellect and will, mind and heart -- to God?
• Do we accept the truth Christ reveals?
• Is the faith tangible in our universities and schools?
• Is it given fervent expression liturgically, sacramentally, through prayer, acts of charity, a concern for justice, and respect for God's creation?

"Only in this way,"he said, "do we really bear witness to the meaning of who we are and what we uphold."