Student Masses on Thursdays in Ljubljana

On Thursdays at midday, Thursday student Masses are organised by students of the Faculty of Theology in Ljubljana. The first Mass was celebrated on 8 October by the Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs, David Kraner. He said: “At the Faculty of Theology, we bring together people from various fields of study. Each has its own methods, questions and perspectives on humanity, society and the world. Yet it is precisely in this diversity that our richness lies. You students seek knowledge; we professors research and teach; and you academic staff, through your work, enable us to fulfil our shared mission. None of us can do everything on our own. We need one another.”

He also emphasised: “The academic community must be a space where we are able to engage in reasoned debate and think critically, without losing respect and trust in one another and without damaging the faculty’s reputation. Unity does not mean that we must all think alike. It does mean, however, that despite our differing views, we remain committed to the common good.”

He concluded his remarks with the words: “May our faculty be a place where diverse fields of knowledge enrich one another, where differences do not become a cause of division, and where academic excellence is combined with humanity. Different fields of study, different tasks, different perspectives – yet one academic community and one shared mission.”

A Spiritual Reflection at the Start of the Academic Year – Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana

Dear students, lecturers and academic staff, dear brothers and sisters!

At the start of the new academic year, Jesus addresses us with three simple exhortations: ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you’ (Luke 11:9).

At the Faculty of Theology, we bring together people from various fields of study: theology, psychology, religious studies and other disciplines. Each has its own methods, questions and perspectives on humanity, society and the world. Yet it is precisely in this diversity that our richness lies.

Students seek knowledge; us professors carry out research and teach; and the administrative staff, through their work, enable us to fulfil our shared mission. None of us can do everything on our own. We need one another.

Today, we are also inspired by Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who, as early as the beginning of the second century, urged Christians towards unity.

His idea that service and responsibility are not intended for personal honour, but for the common good, is particularly significant. He compares harmony amongst people to a well-tuned musical instrument, in which the individual strings together create harmony. This can also be an important message for our academic community.

There are differing opinions, views and visions amongst us regarding the future of the faculty. We make decisions that are not always straightforward and aren't agreed upon by everyone. Yet a diversity of opinions does not necessarily mean division. The academic community must be a space where we can engage in reasoned debate and think critically, without losing respect and trust for one another or damaging the faculty’s reputation. Unity does not mean that we must think alike. It does, however, mean that despite our differing views, we remain committed to the common good.

Academic excellence is not measured solely by the number of publications, research achievements and student successes. It is also reflected in our ability to collaborate, show mutual respect, make responsible decisions and bring together different fields of knowledge and generations. It is therefore important that we do not create barriers between academic disciplines, between students and lecturers, between administrative services and management, or between the various departments of our faculty. Our future is shared, and we are all jointly responsible for it.

In today’s reading, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we began by the Spirit, not by the flesh. Jesus, for his part, concludes the Gospel with the promise that the heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for him. Perhaps this is precisely what we need most at the start of the academic year: the Spirit of wisdom, discernment, courage and unity.

I therefore wish for all of us that, in this year, we may

• seek the truth, even when it is challenging;
• listen to one another, even when we disagree;
• work together, even when it would be easier to do it alone;
• strive for excellence, not for personal prestige, but for the common good.

May our faculty be a place where diverse fields of knowledge enrich one another, and where differences do not become a cause for division. Different fields of study, different tasks, different perspectives, yet one academic community with one shared mission.

Amen.