The University

EVENTS
Photo: Jerzy Giedrys
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that characterizing the archbishop is not an easy task
because “many years of his work and his immense
achievements encompass numerous fields”, including
legislation, education, religion and culture.
Prof. Kroplewski said: “One of Archbishop
Kamiński’s great wishes and, eventually, his achievement,
was the foundation of the Theological Faculty
within the structures of Szczecin University. Such
attempts had already been undertaken by his predecessors
– archbishops Kazimierz Majdański and
Marian Przykucki. Thus, Archbishop Kamiński continued
this work in connection with the project of
academic education in the field of theology in Poland,
prepared years back by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła.
An additional incentive for undertaking the effort
was the favorability of Szczecin’s science community
and history. As early as in the 15 th century, within
the Kamień diocese in Gryfia, there was a university
comprising four faculties – including theology. The
papal bull establishing the University in Gryfia was
issued by Pope Calixtus III on May 29 t h 1456.”
The keynote speaker added that promoters
highlighted the particular merits of the archbishop,
who, “owing to his general activity, especially in the
field of legal regulations concerning meeting points
between Church and state, as well as thanks to the
initiatives he undertook on behalf of West Pomerania
and Szczecin University, fully deserves to receive
the title of doctor honoris causa (…)”.
Following the speech, Prof. Henryk Dolecki, dean
of the Faculty of Law and Administration, read the
diploma and passed it to the Rector Tarczyński, who
touched his shoulder with the mace and declared in
Latin:
“Nomine Senatus
Universitatis Stetinensis
In Professorem
SIGISMUNDUM KAMIŃSKI
Honoris Causa Doctoris nomen
Cum summa aestimatione confero”
In search for the truth
In his doctoral lecture, entitled The Search for
Truth Versus Happiness in Life, Archbishop Kamiński
justified the need for creating the Faculty of Theology
at SU. He said: “A particular expression of the
Church’s concern for the entire truth that leads us
towards humanity at its fullest is the establishment
of theological faculties at secular universities. That
is why, after regaining independence in the 1990s,
great efforts were made to re-establish or create
theological faculties at different universities in our
country. With God’s help and the good will of the
government and university authorities, this was also
achieved in Szczecin.
“The experiences from previous years have confirmed
that the presence of theological faculties at
state universities – an expression of synergy between
faith and reason – is fruitful for both parties. We have
the right to say that this presence is good for the man
of truth. And the concern for human beings, creating
conditions which enable their full development
in humanity and, in this way, finding the deepest
meaning of their existence – should motivate those
who act for the common good. This includes those
who govern by the authority of their democratic
mandate and those who educate and raise others.
Here, it seems appropriate to stress that without the
fundament of objective truth about humanity, the
cooperation between state and Church would be superficial
and could turn into harmful rivalry. We have
to bear in mind and constantly convince one another
that by leading another person towards the truth,
we find out the objective truth about ourselves. And
by building upon this truth, not only do we actually
help others, but also raise ourselves towards the love
that encompasses everything.”
The archbishop noted SU’s jubilee, directing the
following comment to the academic community: “Ad
multos annos (…) in reaching the full truth leading to
happiness in life!” He added that receiving the title
had brought “personal joy and a happy day”.
“Life is a gift and a set task”
A concert by the Academia Orchestra and Szczecin
University Choir, under the direction of Prof.
Bohdan Boguszewski, accompanied the event, which
also was an occasion to promote the book Life Is A Gift
And A Set Task, published in 2009 by Wydawnictwo
Diecezjalne i Drukarnia in Sandomierz. In the form
of an extended interview, given to Maciej Drzonek,
Archbishop Kamiński shares his personal reflections
on the historic events in which he participated. The
volume provides an opportunity to learn more about
the archbishop, who Prof. Kroplewski called “a good
and benevolent intercessor” for the university.