How the Catholic University Model Can Transform Education: Insights from The Catholic Thing

Before St. John Henry Newman joined the Catholic Church, he shared impactful sermons at Oxford. In his final University Sermon, he explored how religious beliefs evolve, using Mary, the Mother of God, as a key example.

Newman quoted Luke 2:19, which says, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Unlike Zacharias, who questioned the angel’s message, Mary accepted it and meditated on it. This, Newman argues, makes her a true model of faith. She represents not just the faith of simple believers but also that of theologians who seek to understand and define divine truths.

Mary, referred to as the Seat of Wisdom, is a guiding light for anyone on a quest for truth. It’s fitting that many Catholic universities honor her with their names. Jesus embodies the ultimate Truth and was nurtured in Mary’s womb, highlighting the importance of growing knowledge in a supportive environment, much like what we find in schools.

However, simply being named after Mary doesn’t guarantee a commitment to truth. In her recent book, A Lamp in the Darkness: How Faithful Catholic Colleges Are Helping to Save the Church, Anne Hendershott notes that some prestigious institutions have strayed from their Catholic roots. Instead of being places that cultivate wisdom, they sometimes promote ideas that contradict Catholic teachings.

Hendershott labels some institutions as the “faithful few,” recognized as truly Catholic by the Newman College Guide. She contrasts these with others that once identified as Catholic but have drifted away from their spiritual mission. This shift often occurs under the guise of “academic freedom.” Similar to arguments made in the pro-abortion debate, this notion suggests that individuals can determine their own truths, which often leads to confusion.

Historically, Catholic universities have faced criticism for their fidelity to Church teachings. Charles W. Eliot, former president of Harvard, once called the Catholic educational system “the most backward.” The situation intensified in 1967 when leaders like Notre Dame’s president declared independence from Church authority, marking a significant turning point.

Almost sixty years later, Notre Dame continues to blur its Catholic identity. Recent events, such as hosting a speaker who identifies as a transgender man and an abortion doula, demonstrate a growing tension between Catholic values and contemporary social issues. In contrast, The Catholic University of America recently dismissed a professor who invited an abortion speaker, reinforcing its commitment to Catholic doctrine.

For Catholic universities to thrive, they must balance faith and reason. This balance is vital not only for personal growth but also for guiding students toward true understanding. Faith should be a source of pride, not embarrassment, as it provides the moral framework necessary for pursuing truth.

Freedom isn’t about doing whatever one pleases; it’s about knowing what is right. In the academic realm, that means sticking to truths that cannot be questioned. It would be absurd for a math teacher to claim that 2+2 equals 5, just as it’s erroneous to challenge established truths about human nature. Catholic universities, equipped with a deeper understanding of truth through faith, should advocate for that truth without shame.

Challenges will inevitably arise when asserting these truths, as stated in Matthew 10:22: “You will be hated by everyone because of me.” Remaining steadfast in faith and reason amidst societal pressures is crucial for Catholic institutions. They must actively promote a curriculum that aligns the Church’s teachings with serious academic inquiry.

In the words of St. James, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). This serves as a vital reminder of the weight and responsibility that comes with educating others.

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