What role does faith have at University?
Alessandra Dee Crespo, Bachelor in Sacred Theology (SThB), fifth year. “When they start university studies, students are generally still in early adulthood and, as such, seek to assert their independence. For some, this includes abandoning religious...
Alessandra Dee Crespo, Bachelor in Sacred Theology (SThB), fifth year.
“When they start university studies, students are generally still in early adulthood and, as such, seek to assert their independence. For some, this includes abandoning religious practices of their childhood and adolescence. Whether or not they also lose religious faith is another matter.
“Others, on the other hand, view faith in a thorough manner and consider university as a milestone, a springboard to deepen one’s inner life, to be of service in communion with other students, and thus offer a personal witness of their faith.”
Dorian Sciberras, LL.B, third year.
“Many people think students and religion are not compatible; either because the former are supposed to have some sort of laissez-faire attitude or because they are in the phase of challenging ideas.
“This is a fallacy. Youths pose many questions, but they are the most open to dialogue between faith and reason. If not shunned but given the right setting to develop, this dialogue can be highly beneficial to both religion and culture.
“This idea is dealt with in depth in Univeristy Students Catholic Movement’s newly published book Hide and Seek , which underlines the need to engage in such dialogue.”
Fr Nicholas Doublet, Licentiate in Sacred Theology (SThL), final year.
“The University campus can be a very fertile ground for the Gospel. Years spent at University are a special time for the formation of students. This formation must not be solely intellectual but one which enhances faith. With the presence of convinced Christians who undertake studies with due diligence, students can help to instil in others a desire to get to know the Word of God.”
Brian Gialanze, SThB, third year.
“Religion is a pilgrimage in faith, love and hope. Religion is my deep conviction that my life on earth is not a final end in itself. I am called to a higher end, a higher dignity.
“My life on earth is only a pilgrimage towards this higher dignity. I am called to embrace Jesus Christ, who was crucified but has risen from the dead, to sustain me during this pilgrimage in becoming one with the Father.”
Fr Michael Bugeja, University Chaplain.
“The Chaplain, together with a number of the chaplaincy helpers, ought to seek new modes of evangelisation. It is futile to retain the conventional methods. New styles must be employed with particular emphasis on the richness and importance of the basic tenets of the faith.”
(Interviews by Andrea Pace, KSU Social Policy Coordinator)