"Their mission statement help the world rediscover the value of life, the truth of love, and the beauty of a life lived as a gift"

“Their mission statement help the world rediscover the value of life, the truth of love, and the beauty of an existence lived as a gift.” This was stated by Professor José María Pardo, the mentor of the 50 students in high school program licentiate degree the School of Theology, during the graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 30, which took place for the first time in the classroom of the Central Building.

In his message, he emphasized that training is not limited to the academic sphere, but entails a responsibility toward society. In this regard, he structured his remarks around two issues he considers “urgent”: moral reasoning in theology and the discussion on euthanasia.

Regarding moral reasoning in theology, Professor Pardo noted that it is not enough to offer correct answers; rather, it is essential to learn to reason properly. He emphasized that in a context marked by “a culture of quick opinions, the moral life demands reflection, prudence, and responsibility.” He also stressed that moral theology is not limited to the automatic application of rules, but rather involves discernment in the face of complex situations.

On the other hand, when addressing the discussion euthanasia, he warned of a cultural shift that has led to a transition from viewing life as a gift to conceiving of it as a project control. In response to this trend, he argued that “life has an inviolable value” and warned of the risk of making human dignity contingent on criteria of utility or productivity. He also noted that freedom consists not only in choosing, but also in “protecting and promote good of others.” Finally, he emphasized the importance of strengthening a culture of care, especially toward the most vulnerable.

“A university is judged by the quality of its students”

Speaking on behalf of the students were Alexander Binsar and Mateusz Bugno, representatives of high school program licentiate degree . In their speeches, they thanked the professors, the University, their families, their classmates, and the benefactors who made everything they experienced during their years of training Pamplona possible.

Professor Gregorio Guitián, Dean the Faculty, closed the graduation ceremony the new graduates. In his speech , he reminded speech that “a university is measured by the quality of the students it contributes to the life of its community, not so much by the issue graduates or the size of its infrastructure.” To this end, he recalled the image of the tree used by Pope Leo XIV during his trip to Equatorial Guinea: “In the strength of its trunk and the spread of its branches, this tree seems to offer a parable of what a university is called to be: a reality deeply rooted in the seriousness of study, in the report of a people, and in the persevering search for truth (...) It is not enough, in fact, for a tree to bear fruit; the quality of that fruit also matters, for by its fruits a tree is known (cf. Mt 7:20).” 

He also encouraged the recent graduates to continue their education and to stay connected to their alma mater.
 

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