Discours d'acceptation du Doctorat Honoris Causa en Droit de l'Université Concordia Honoris Causa Doctorate in Laws from Concordia University - Acceptance Speech 18 juin 2007 - June 18, 2007 Members of the Board of Governors, Members of the faculty, Graduates of the class of 2007, and honored guests, It is a great honor for me to be with you today, as a recipient of an honorary doctorate. I receive this award not only in my own name, but in the name of all religious believers in our city and beyond. By presenting this award to a Cardinal Archbishop, this institution is recognizing that religion can be – and indeed, most often is – a positive force for good in our world. In addition, I see this honorary degree as a sign that Concordia recognizes the place of faith in the field of scientific inquiry. Faith does not need to be blind: it should seek to walk hand in hand with reason for the sake of greater knowledge and the greater good. Concordia University itself is a living testament to the power of faith. Each of its two founding institutions had their origins in living communities of faith. Sir George Williams University had its origins in the YMCA, which stand for “Young Men’s Christian Association”. Loyola College, of course, had its origins with the Jesuit Order, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. I do not know of any universities in our country that were founded out of a deep, abiding conviction that God did not exist, while I can think of many, many universities, schools, hospitals, and other associations of charity and social justice that were founded – indeed, which continue to be founded – out of a deep conviction that God exists, that God loves us, and that we are called to be just and loving to one another. Concordia is living proof of this. I am pleased to say that the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal has long had an important relationship with Concordia. There is, of course, the special relationship we had with Loyola College, founded as it was in the Catholic intellectual and spiritual tradition. We are equally proud of the special contribution made by one of our diocesan priests, Msgr. Russell Breen, who was a Vice-Rector Academic here at Concordia in its early days, and who worked so hard over a period of 14 years to see an effective unity between the various departments and faculties of the two former founding institutions. I am pleased to know that his contribution continues to be honored in this institution, through the naming of a special chamber on the Loyola campus after him. This relationship between Concordia and our diocese continues to this day. One could even say it has grown stronger with time. At present, 4 of our diocesan priests are teachers here along with our diocesan Director for Social Action, a layman who is one of my close collaborators. With Christians – and non-Christians – these persons work together to offer a unique perspective on the issues facing the modern world. The department of theology has, of course, become more ecumenical over time, but it continues to be true to the definition of theology as “faith seeking understanding”. May Concordia continue in this spirit. I trust this spirit of seeking the truth and so at present, all our English-speaking candidates for ordination to the diaconate follow a program of formation offered through Concordia. This fact is an important sign of our confidence. Allow me to offer a few special remarks to the graduates of the class of 2007. One of the most important things in which the Catholic Church believes is that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. We also believe that God has gifted each one of us with unique personal talents given for the service of others. The diplomas that you receive today are concrete expressions of these talents at work in your lives, especially the gifts of intelligence, perseverance, and hard work. Today is your day, and I hope you will all find joy in it. But do not forget that tomorrow belongs also to the people around you, as they look to you to place your talents at the service of your fellow human beings. Your diploma from Concordia University is a testament that you are among the top of the world in terms of education received. This offers you great opportunity, but also great responsibility. The fulfillment of all human responsibility can be found in living the Law of Love: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Do not let your degree be an excuse for greed or vanity or arrogance. Instead, join with others to offer service, even to the poorest of the poor, and you will find your life’s fulfillment. This is what my leader teaches, and what I believe to be a universal truth. May each of your lives be a journey of discovery of self, of neighbor, and of God. I promise to pray for you and I will pray for your happiness and success, but especially your success in serving others. May you live up to the name of your University – may you always be of one heart. Thank you very much. + Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte Archbishop of Montreal
			Histoire | Archevêque | Présence au monde | Organisation | Activités | Communications accueil | dons | liens | nous joindre | english Biographie | Homélies et allocutions | textes officiels | Chronique du Journal de Montréal www.diocesemontreal.org 18 juin 2007