In Principio v17 no4 (2006)

FINAL STEP TO AFFILIATE NOTRE DAME WITH THE ANGELICUM .6. His Grace Archbishop Barry Hickey signing the affiliation documents. The College of Theology is essential to the existence of a Catholic University. This is fleshed out in the document, From the Heart of the Church, published by Pope John Paul II. This speaks about theology providing a foundational vision and allowing for a context to understanding the other studies at the University, including their moral and ethical dimensions. The School of Philosophy and Theology (Fremantle Campus) is responsible for the education of students for the priesthood from the two seminaries in Western Australia, Saint Charles' Seminary (Guildford) and Redemptoris Mater (Morley). In the University's endeavour to strengthen the range of degrees available to seminarians and others it has been seeking affiliation with The University of Saint Thomas Aquinas - the Angelicum, which is a Pontifical University with an international reputation. In January this year the University took the final step in the process to affiliate with this prestigious Roman University. Two Latin documents which outlined the rules of affiliation and the conventions under which degrees in philosophy and theology could be also under the seal of the Angelicum were signed by Archbishop Barry James Hickey, Catholic Archbishop of Perth, the Vice Chancellor, Dr Peter Tannock and the Dean of the College of Theology, Professor Dennis Rochford. VALE FATHER PADDY MEAGHER (1935-2006) The documents have been sent to the Congregation for Catholic Education at the Vatican for final approval. This is the conclusion of a long process. Father Brian Boyle msc, the previous Dean of the College, visited Rome for the first discussions with the Angelicum. Over a period of two years the College has written its Statutes and Regulations, for an Affiliated College. Father Robert Christian op, from the Angelicum, and Notre Dame's Father Dennis Rochford msc had intensive meetings with Notre Dame staff and a the six-year program of studies in philosophy and theology based on a two– year cycle was written and submitted. The vision and initiative of the Vice Chancellor and the Archbishop of Perth is now close to a reality and will establish an international credential for Notre Dame. The College will have teaching schools which are able to recommend the award of a Bachelor of Sacred Theology, with the possibility of an extra two years study, preferably on exchange in Rome, to mandate them as faithful teachers in all areas of theology. With fewer young scholars for the teaching of theology, it is a bold and important initiative by Notre Dame for the benefit of the whole Church in Australia. The Notre Dame Community was greatly saddened by the death of Father Paddy Meagher sj early this year. Father Paddy was a dedicated scholar who spent 45 years working in India. He was also a long standing and much esteemed teacher of summer courses in theology at the School of Philosophy and Theology. The topic of his doctoral thesis summed up the way he lived his life: Galations {5,6) "You are a follower of Christ Jesus, all that matters is your faith, that makes you love others." May he rest in peace.