Fr. Łukasz Bankowski – Vatican
A delegation from the Wrocław university participated in Wednesday’s general audience. They brought a cross purchased by the rector as a votive offering of gratitude and a memento of the transformation of the university.
“This cross, blessed by the Holy Father Leo XIV, will hang in the office of the rectors of our university – the current one and all future ones,” says Rev. Prof. Stasiak.
Bond with the Apostolic See
The name change does not mean a weakening of ties with the Vatican. The Pontifical Faculty of Theology will continue to operate within the structures of the Academy. “This relationship is lasting, permanent, and we simply want to strengthen it,” emphasizes the rector.
The transformation process was consulted with the Polish authorities and the Dicastery for Culture and Education. Legislative procedures have already been completed. From October 1, the university will officially operate as the Catholic Academy in Wrocław.
“We are not afraid to dream”
The new formula is intended to allow the university to expand its offer. Pedagogy will be included in the Faculty of Social Sciences, and next year the Academy’s authorities would like to launch psychology. New fields of study are also planned at the Faculty of Cultural Heritage Protection, including historical tourism.
“We are not afraid to dream, we are not afraid to look boldly into the future,” says Rev. Prof. Stasiak. He admits that one of the long-term plans is the development of the university towards the Catholic University of Wrocław.
Catechists for parishes
The Academy intends to continue training religion teachers while simultaneously preparing catechists for ministry in parishes.
“We will continue to train catechists and religion teachers, that is, experts in the field of theology with pedagogical preparation,” announces the rector.
The university also plans an academic course for catechists, which could start as early as the new academic year. The formation is to include, among others, liturgy, sacramental catechesis, and preparation for leading small groups. Catechists are to support parish priests in tasks related to teaching in parishes.
The new stage of the university begins with the blessing of Leo XIV. “I am immensely grateful to the Holy Father for the blessing he has granted us today, because without this we will not go a single step further,” emphasizes Rev. Prof. Stasiak.
