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A new gate has been opened at Hope Park, Liverpool, to replace the tall walls that have historically separated the colleges of Hope University , England. The new architectural structure joins two university schools, one Roman Catholic and the other Anglican, which comprise the first and only ecumenical university of Europe.
The exhibition, which was inaugurated on 28 September, was organised by the Ave Arts Centre in Loppiano. The seven artists who work there aim to express, through their artwork, the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood which inspired Chiara Lubich.
The partnership with the art studio was born from a visit by Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Dr. Phillay to the Internationanl Centre of Loppiano for a conference at Sophia University Institute.
At the dedication ceremony of the New Gate, the Vice-Chancellor explained the inspiration for the shape and design of the gate which stems from the tradition of the Maori people in New Zealand, whose villages had “Waharoa,” an open gate that became a symbol of the village and a sign of openness and welcome to guests and visitors.
“In the same way,” continued Dr. Phillay, “this new gate marks the entrance for students and professors into the ‘community of life’ of Hope University, focused – in accordance with the orientation of Cardinal John Henry Newman, towards a wholisitc cultural and human formation, capable of ‘accepting the value of one’s own academic discipline within the context of all the others.”
Nunzia Bertali, from the Italian Consulate, officially inaugurated the New Gate by cutting the ribbon. She said: “What a great occasion and privilege to be asked to inaugurate the New Gate. I can only be proud of this link between England and Italy. It is a fantastic idea and great opportunity to link the two countries.”
New Gate, inspiration at the service of unity
Sculptress Erika Ivacson from the Ave Centre, described the New Gate in this way: “It is an arch, a bridge that is born from the encounter between two similar yet distinct elements. In the language of sculpture the two distinct forms have reached a harmony and a unity in diversity. Passing through the New Gate, anyone should find themself in a fulfilling experience that points to something greater, to belonging and identity. The Biblical texts inserted on the interior of the sculpture echo the message. And as the plaque at the side of the sculpture states: May passing through this gate each day be a living affirmation of the ecumenical foundations of this univeristy.
I saw the gate being built during the Mariapolis this summer. I liked it very much. I love the idea of walking into ‘Hope’, unity in diversity. Well done, to the artists and to the college. I hope I’ll see it again!