“Notwithstanding the spiritual crisis that human civilization is undergoing today, Christianity is capable of continual self-renewal.” These words, pronounced by the Rector of the State University of Trnava in Slovakia, contain the most profound meaning of the solemn ceremony which was held this morning – not in the Aula Magna of the Slovakian Athaeneum, but rather in the main hall of the Mariapolis Center of Castelgandolfo, where the top academic authorities of the University conferred an honorary doctoral degree in theology on Chiara Lubich.

Displayed onstage were the flags of Slovakia, of the European Community and of Italy – an eloquent image, indeed, when one considers that Slovakia is among the 10 countries soon to be admitted to the European Union in May 2004. The speeches offered a clear sense of the continuously vigorous Christian roots of Slovakian culture, roots that originally gave rise to the University of Trnava in 1635.

The words of the Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Prof. Ladislav Csontos, who promoted this award of recognition, revealed the heroism – lived out under the Communist regime – of professors as well as students of the Institute of Theology, founded by the Jesuits and later merged with the University of Trnava in 1992. These people were mostly secular and religious order priests secretly ordained. The Dean’s talk also brought to the fore the intense activity which – notwithstanding the regime – permitted the updating of the studies offered at the University with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. To this can be attributed the dialogic style assumed by the Faculty at all levels, with frequent recourse to interdisciplinary seminars in the sciences, as well as conferences and publications. “For these reasons, Chiara Lubich’s theology of unity and dialogue is closely connected to the spirit of our Faculty, and this contribution of hers is, for us, the principal motive for proposing the honorary doctoral degree,” the Dean stated, as he offered a description of their university’s newest doctor. He defined the foundress of the Focolare as “a key-figure in the ecumenical movement and in interreligious dialogue.” He also recalled that Chiara’s work came to be known in Slovakia through the Movement which took root there during the Communist regime and gave great spiritual support to those who adhered to its ideals, and brought the spirit of Vatican II to the local Church.”

The University Rector also mentioned that Chiara Lubich has introduced “avenues” and “new models” of inter-personal relationships based on dialogue and the practice of living according to Jesus’ “new commandment” in the Gospel. Their innovative repercussions – he added – can be felt in the economic, political and cultural sectors. “We need to build the unity of the world on this spiritual foundation or else we will perish,” he affirmed.