IT WAS ANNOUNCED on September 8 that St Bede’s Hall, Oxford, and Campion college in New South Wales, Australia, will enter a bilateral agreement of cooperation between their two Catholic colleges on September 14.
This agreement, signed by Dr David Daintree on behalf of Campion college and Fr Sebastian Jones on behalf of St Bede’s Hall, Oxford, commits both colleges to reciprocal support and the advancement of academic study.
The agreement recalled Pope Benedict XVI’s recent address to the participants in the first European meeting of university lecturers in Rome on June 23.
Then, the Pope said: “The rise of the European universities was fostered by the conviction that faith and reason are meant to cooperate in the search for truth, each respecting the nature and legitimate autonomy of the other, yet working together harmoniously and creatively to serve the fulfilment of the human person in truth and love.” Campion College, Australia, and St Bede’s Hall, Oxford, wanted greater cooperation between their institutions to reflect this growing understanding.
Fr Sebastian Jones said: “The universality of the Church makes possible this greater cooperation and reciprocity between Campion college and St Bede’s hall.” He added: “Dr Daintree and I are committed to fos tering a new fellowship between our staff and students for the fruitful advancement of the encounter between faith and science.” Dr Daintree said: “I welcome this new agreement between our two Catholic colleges.
“Our colleges will continue to foster academic excellence and promote cultural activities to the highest academic standard for those students undertak ing study abroad programmes.” The bilateral agreement makes specific mention of pastoral care. Both colleges are committed to extend the provision of pastoral care for students undertaking study abroad programmes.
This care will reflect the unique and innate importance of each person and be in conformity with the Magisterium of the Universal Church.