Thirty years ago today, Bishop Javier Echevarría accepted UA&P’s invitation to serve as Honorary Grand Chancellor. In his letter, he reminded the University that forming future generations—and helping shape culture itself—would be its lifelong task. The letter is reproduced in full below.
Rome, November 25, 1995
Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao
President
University of Asia and the Pacific
METRO MANILA
Dear President Estanislao:
I have received your letter of November 8th announcing the decision of the Board of Trustees of the University of Asia and the Pacific to confer upon the Prelate of Opus Dei the title of Grand Chancellor.
As you explain in your kind letter, the University turns to the Prelature of Opus Dei for guidance to ensure that the doctrinal and moral orientation of its teaching and research is carried out in full accordance with the Magisterium of the Church. The Prelature also helps to maintain a keen awareness of the spiritual heritage of Blessed Josemaría Escrivá, whose inspiration led to the founding of the University.
With great pleasure I accept that honor, recalling vividly how the Founder of Opus Dei and his first successor, Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, fostered many apostolic endeavors at the university level. I pray through the intercession of Blessed Josemaría, so that he help all who work in the new University. May he obtain for you the grace to fulfill the demanding task of forming young people to love truth, justice, and freedom. May you transmit to the students an attitude of service to others, which will prepare them to contribute to the development of society.
The task which lies before you is truly enormous. In addition to forming future generations, the University plays a key role in shaping and orienting culture. All of you have the opportunity of participating courageously —through teaching and research of the highest quality— in the great debates of our time, to which the Christian message has a decisive contribution to make.
As you contemplate the panorama that lies ahead, I encourage you to work selflessly, ready to overcome the difficulties that will necessarily arise. Never lose sight of the fact that unity, cooperation and mutual assistance are essential in the University, especially during these first years in which its spirit is being forged, the seal that will always characterize it. Though as time passes new generations will take over on the faculty and staff, that spirit will continue to shape the content of the teaching and so many other aspects of the life of the University.
I unite myself wholeheartedly to the installation ceremony, and I extend my warmest blessing to the Vice Grand Chancellor, to you, Mr. President, and to all those who make up the University —professors, students, non-teaching staff— while I confide to the protection of the Blessed Virgin, Stella Orientis, Sedes Sapientiae, the future of the University of Asia and the Pacific.
Affectionately in Domino,
+Javi Echevarria
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