We can, the philosophers tell us, never step in the same river twice, and our bodies, the scientists tells us, slough off our cells across a given period of time, and yet for all of that, we remain ourselves, and what does not change is that we can only perceive the world through that self. That does not mean the self does not change, develop, grow, decay and be subject to the processes of nature; but it means, I think, that whilst those things happen, we are less subject to the passage of time in our heads than we are in our bodies. This may be why, with so many of us, there can be a harsh reaction to the way the world changes when it impinges on us; it is there with some of us from the start and makes us natural conservatives. Some people are avid for change, others not so much; political parties exist around that existential fact.
For the best part of the last four decades I have been part of the same university. I have done many different things whilst there, and it would take quite some hat-rack to hold the all the hats I have worn in that time. I have had the immense privilege of helping generations of students to realise their potential; that is the beginning and the end of a university education – all else is, in Disraeli’s phrase ‘leather and prunella’. I had thought that by this stage this would be where I would end my time. But the chance came to do something to help the Church and to help foster the creation of a Catholic university, and it is to that imperious summons I have yielded. Those recent posts about Catholic higher education were not simply exercises in theorising, but attempts to work through some thoughts on what to do next.
The media being what it is, bad news sells and good news does not. Stuff about ‘safe spaces’ at university, and about ‘Micky Mouse’ degrees and the latest ‘pc-gone mad’ nonsense sell better than the real story of students working hard to realise their full potential, and academics helping them on that journey. It is into that river that I step again in my new post. For all the stuff that hits the news, it is that process – education – which is at the heart of what we do in higher education. In that sense it is a vocation. It is a call to take the knowledge you have gained and to share it with the young (or in the case of mature students, the young at heart). There is a truth, and whilst we may see it in this world as through a glass darkly, we can encourage our students to reach out for it and to learn how to think critically about what we tell them, and about what the world tells them. That does not necessarily end in a swamp of relativity – although, of course, if that is what a student decides, then that is where he or she ends up. My hope is always that the further on they go, the clearer the limitations of relativism will become, and the plainer the merits of the tradition which I help pass on. We live in a free market economy, not least where ideas are concerned, and one has to have the faith that the good will drive out the bad.
Tomorrow is in one sense a new beginning for me – but in another, it is business as usual. What matters is the mission. The missioner is an instrument in a higher cause. None of which means I will not be grateful for your prayers, for me, and for our staff and students.
Good luck. There is something in both of our characters that impedes us from speaking of our feelings, nor would I change it. But it is also true that you have become one of the people that I most respect, and so as you set out on a new challenge, do know that my best wishes, and prayers, accompany you and surely extend to all you come in contact with.
Your new University is very lucky, but in a large measure they too, earned their luck.
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My thanks, Neo, and old-fashioned though it is, that reluctance to talk about one’s feelings is there, and that’s that 😄. Many thanks for your good wishes.
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In some ways, I suspect that does mark us as of the past. But as part of the past that built the world we live in. I could wish for no better company! 🙂
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I feel the same – after all, as you say, they build well then – and built to last.
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That they did.
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May god empower you and often give you encouragement as you serve Him in a new mode.
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Thank you – I am relying on Him a great deal.
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God bless you in your endeavour, C. May the God of all wisdom shine through you to lead your charges to the Truth. I also pray that God will provide you and the students with plenty of tutorial time so that they can have the in-depth discussions they desire and need.
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Let us hope so Nicholas – and thank you.
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Best wishes my friend on your new endeavor.
I see that the Vatican is now in the business of helping us form good future Catholics: http://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/articles/item/2727-world-youth-day-vatican-venue-for-sex-education
Looks like a dandy bit of workmanship that will get kids headed in the right direction. All you have to do is build upon the firm foundation that they have established. 🙂
You have my prayers . . . I think we are in need of copious prayers at this juncture.
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Prayer, prayer and yes, more prayer 🙂
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best of luck 🙂
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Many thanks.
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Best wishes in your new venture C.
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Many thanks Rob
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I know you will continue the fine legacy of catholic schools and colleges. I mean this from the heart.
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Thank you, Bosco. With God’s help I hope to do so.
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