The School of Theology of the University of Navarra paid tribute to Professor José Luis Illanes in a ceremony in which intervened the President, José Mª Bastero; the Dean of the School of Theology, Francisco Varo; and other professors of this center, like the Associate Dean CésarIzquierdo, Jaime Pujol and Tomás Trigo. The classroom Magna brought together numerous disciples and friends of the honoree, who thanked the former Dean of the School of Theology for his 34 years of service to this center.

"I feel obliged," said the President, "to highlight the exemplary manner in which Professor Illanes has assumed, with promptness and generosity, the assignments that have been given to him over the years. And always with his singular vitality and good humor. He is a living example of work indefatigable and unshakable faith in the face of what so often seems impossible".

"Numerous letters and congratulations have reached School ," said Professor Varo, "acknowledging and thanking Professor Illanes for his work. Among them, Cardinal Paul Poupard; Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, Archbishop of Milan; the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio Mª Rouco Varela; Cardinal Julián Herranz; the Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Manuel Monteiro de Castro; and numerous Spanish bishops, deans and professors of various Schools of Theology in Spain, Italy...".

Tribute book

Professor César Izquierdo defined the life and work of the honoree as a trajectory "of service to what has been necessary at each moment. His theological work shows his mastery in the detection, approach and answers to the questions that in our time are especially pressing for the Christian".

For his part, José Luis Illanes wanted to show his gratitude "to all the people and cities to which I am indebted. They are all still present, not only in memory but in reality," he said in his speech.

During the ceremony, a tribute book graduate "Dar razón de la esperanza" (Giving reason for hope) was presented to Professor Illanes. Professor Tomás Trigo, publisher of the book, was in charge of presenting and making submission of this Issue of 78 articles written by specialists in different branches of Theology.