Manifestation - date How do Catholic universities contribute to the humanisation of society in their respective functions of teaching, research and service ? Michel Quesnel

Manifestation - date A Catholic university possesses at least the three standard functions of a university : teaching, research, and service to society. In the case of a Catholic university, we must add, alongside this service to society, the service of the Church. Taking into account “every human person and the whole human person”. 1

Manifestation - date 1. Questions concerning the three functions of a catholic university

Manifestation - date Teaching Forming graduates who will be agents of change, or agents of humanisation

Manifestation - date Research Carrying out research inspired by the demands of the Gospel, in particular in order that those suffering from exclusion may find a place of dignity within society.

Manifestation - date Service of society and of the Church Making better known the thought of the Church on ethical and social issues Contributing to the shaping of the Church’s tiinking

Manifestation - date The tension between doctrine and research is a source of stimulus. It can sometines turn into a veritable challenge ! 5

Manifestation - date 2. The catholic university in the service of all men

Manifestation - date Any form of exclusion as a matter of principle is unacceptable 7

Manifestation - date Accepting non-catholic and non-christian students, whilst at the same time respecting thier beliefs, is a sign of a Church which displays an attitude of openness.

Manifestation - date Continuing to receive formation all through one’s life, through recognition of the fruits of experience, through permanently ongoing formation, etc…

Manifestation - date Our educational establisments must adopt the preferential option for the poor and must work towards its realisation. -By receiving students from all socio-cultural milieux. -By specialized research in the domain of promotion social justice, on a national and an international level. 9

Manifestation - date -By means of courses training people for professions with a social dimension. -By cooperating with universities and research centres in the countries of the South, with a wiew to the transfer of skills. 10

Manifestation - date A strong political will to bring into play internal solidarity. 11

Manifestation - date 3. The catholic university in the service of the whole human person

Manifestation - date Aims - Posing the question of meaning - A universalism which respects the uniqueness of each and every person - Taking into account the spiritual dimension of the person -The place (the role) of ecclesiastical faculties and particularly of faculties of theology 13

Manifestation - date Means employed -Including in the curriculum cross-disciplinary social and human studies. - Integrating into every course of study the ethical dimension and the question of meaning. -developing the social Responsability of Universities (SRU). 14

Manifestation - date 4. Conclusion

Manifestation - date Developing in a lasting manner the aspiration of human beings towards harmony and peace. 16

Manifestation - date There exist Christian academics and others who share our vision of manking in State or secular universities. We must reflect on these questions in collaborations with them. 17

Manifestation - date Helping us, amongst ourselves, to meet these chalenges. 18

Manifestation - date Thank you for your attention