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Villanova
Juniors win prestigious national scholarships
By Maureen McKew
At a memorial mass for the Villanova community on April
6, the Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., University president, spoke of the
deep spirituality of John Paul II and its willingness to share his
sufferings with the people of the world.
Father Dobbin particularly noted the pope’s frequent
iteration of these words to the Lord: “I looked for you … and you were
there.” The president likened them to those of St. Augustine of Hippo: “Late
have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ev er
new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it
was there that I searched for you.” Noting that another person in poor
health might have withdrawn from public view, Father Dobbin also said that
the pope, by letting the world see his infirmities; united his sufferings
with those of Christ on the Cross and underscored the dignity of every human
person.
Father Dobbin was joined by several concelebrants
from the University community; students served as readers and leaders of
song. Donald Giannella, associate director of Campus Ministry, conducted the
Campus Ministry Pastoral Singers in selections from the Mozart Requiem.
Earlier in the week, Father Dobbin issued the
following statement to and on behalf of the University.
“Undoubtedly we as a community are deeply saddened at the news of the death
of Pope John Paul II. His long tenure of pastoral leadership has had an
enormous impact on the life of the Church and indeed the whole world. Like
Saint Augustine many centuries before him he was a conspicuous champion of
the dignity of the human person. While we grieve his passing we share the
indomitable hope for the future which his life epitomized. May he rest in
the peace of the Lord he served so vibrantly.” |
