The regional vicar of Opus Dei for Italy celebrated the Holy Mass at the opening of the inauguration of the academic year. 2019-2020

8th November 2019

The Gospel of the mass tells us about an administrator to whom the owner has entrusted the care of his goods. Reading this passage made me think that everyone in this university community has something that has been entrusted to them:

  • the teachers have fostered the students
  • the doctors and nursing staff, the sick
  • the administrative staff the care and functioning of the university
  • and the students too have been entrusted with their own future and that of society

Finally, all are called to live it with the same spirit that the Prelate of Opus Dei summed up on October 3 last year with these words: "Hope and optimism must rest ultimately on the fact that this university and the activities that take place there are motivated by a deep sense of service".

In a speech given at the University of Navarre in the 70s, St. Josemaría said that Its mission [of the university] it is not offering immediate solutions. But, in studying problems with scientific depth, he stirs hearts, brings out passivity, awakens dormant forces and forms citizens willing to build a more just society.

And therefore, as the Rector said at the inauguration last year, we must ask ourselves the question: What trace are we leaving in the kids who follow us and work alongside us? (…). He also said: We believe that the University is a place where culture becomes a service to man and not a pretext for self-affirmation or the exercise of power.

There is a real risk that we must all be aware of. The risk of carrying on with head down: research, teaching, operating theatre, cleaning, clinic, lessons, study, … We go from one thing to another and I don't see the many good things that happen, that I do, that leave a trace.

As a result I lose hope and optimism and enthusiasm; the motivations that should guide me fade over time, they are not relaunched.

The organization of the health service (which can exasperate procedures and protocols and sometimes limits the time to be dedicated to the individual patient); the concern to make ends meet or to guarantee the profit necessary to maintain the structure; the sometimes heavy shifts; the constant requests; etc.; all this can lead to exhausting work rhythms and there is no energy left to take care of personal relationships with the calm and attention that should be due to everyone.

What can help us? Take care of yourself.

It applies to the teacher, medical staff, administrative staff, students.

Jesus himself - and it was God - who incessantly traveled the roads of Galilee and Judea, who said he had nowhere to lay his head, gives us an example of this in the Gospel: sometimes he needed to withdraw to pray, alone , he needed to take a break to be with his disciples.

For example, the doctor who takes care of his patients cannot neglect to take care of himself, of his health, of his family life, of his spiritual life. He cannot allow the intense pace of work and the emotional investment that is required of the patients to sap his energies and drain his soul.

A teacher who is taken by his field of research, by the challenge of new discoveries, cannot for this reason forget what the students expect from him.

A student cannot think only of himself, of competing with his colleagues, forgetting that the future entrusted to him is not his alone.

For this reason it is desirable that the expression "taking care of oneself" can stimulate everyone to take moments of reflection, moments of formation, to think about how one's life is developing and unfolding. And readings, seminars or academic courses are not enough. Moments of meditation, of silence, of peaceful confrontation with others, of prayer for those who believe in God and trust in him are more useful and reassuring. This is also one of the reasons for the presence of a chaplaincy within the University. But often this comparison can also take place with a colleague, with a friend.

Those who take care of themselves to become a wiser, more patient, more merciful and stronger person will be better at everything: at home, in the hospital, in the clinic, in the classroom, in carrying out their work of welcoming with a smile .

Using a concept dear to St. Josemaría, we could say that for a person who has responsibilities (and here everyone does) the most important thing is himself.

The rest of this day will be a succession of talks, activities, greetings, etc. For this reason, the aim of this homily is to leave just one suggestion to take home and on which we can then continue to reflect: if we want to help others and help ourselves, it is necessary that we take care of ourselves by finding these moments in which regenerate both our body, but also our spirit. I'm sure that your wife or husband, your children, and even in-laws will be happy too.

We entrust to Blessed Alvaro Del Portillo, true promoter of this University, our desires, our ability to take care of ourselves and of others, the success of the mission that the entire university community proposes to us.