From the Press Release:
Today, Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, made perhaps the most significant announcement in the history of Ave Maria University. During the investiture ceremony for new Ave Maria University president H. James Towey, Bishop Dewane announced that he grants recognition of Ave Maria University as a Catholic university.
Bishop Dewane commented, “This announcement marks a special time in the history and faith life of Ave Maria University. While the university continues to grow, it is the deepening of its roots of faith that is of primary importance to me as the bishop of this diocese. The Catholic Church views Catholic universities in very high regard, and, with that, the entire Ave Maria University community should be encouraged and inspired by its new designation.”
Ave Maria president Jim Towey expressed appreciation and joy upon hearing the news: “I am grateful to Bishop Dewane for his confidence in our future and thankful for Tom Monaghan and all those who built the foundation that made this announcement possible. This recognition means a lot to us as we continue on the path toward new excellence.”
Bishop Dewane also took time out to congratulate President Towey as he enters into this new phase of leadership, which will move Ave Maria University into a bright future. The bishop also thanked Thomas S. Monaghan, founder of Ave Maria University, for his forthright commitment to Catholic education and his Catholic faith. His leadership and vision brought the monumental undertaking of building a Catholic university in southwest Florida to where it stands today.
The Code of Canon Law regulates the establishment and conduct of a Catholic university by the competent ecclesiastical authority, which in this case is Bishop Dewane. The recognition of Ave Maria University as a Catholic university is granted upon their commitment to continue to be guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and faithfulness to the apostolic constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae. First and foremost, it is the responsibility of the local bishop to provide pastoral care to the university community, as stated in Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
Bishop Dewane has served as an ex officio member of the Ave Maria University board of trustees since 2009. Ave Maria University was founded in 2003. The quasi-parish of Ave Maria Oratory was established in 2008.
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Wonderful news.
Wonderful news. My daughter is currently a junior at Franciscan in Ohio and is considering Ave Maria for her graduate studies.
Great news! Catholic higher education plays such an important part in transforming culture!
God bless you for choosing good solid schools for your daughter.My son went to Notre Dame and I regret that decision on a daily basis,and not because the football team stinks.
Deo Gratias!
As a sophomore at Ave Maria University I can say with confidence we’re all very very thankful to Bishop Dewane, Mr. Monaghan, President Towey and all the world-class faculty who have worked so hard for this!
Ave Maria nees to beef up its athletics. It won’t be taken seriously until they can muster up top-notch D-1 programs like Notre Dame, Marquette and Georgetown. Otherwise they will be considered an obscure little college. Not to hurt anybody’s feelings, that is just a fact of life.
Sam, I understand what you mean, but remember what receiving offical recognition as a Catholic university means. They are committing to educate out kids in the Catholic faith. Even though I do not have college age children yet, this is one of the universities that we are looking at to provide the guidance they will need in the teachings of the Catholic Church. Nothing more important than anything else in my opinion.
Tom, a school’s athletics program has little to do with academic and spiritual quality. Who would have scoffed at the idea of studying under Thomas Aquinas or C.S. Lewis on the grounds that their universities couldn’t be taken seriously without a football team? The peculiar, modern American obsession with collegiate sports is not something that should be taken too seriously. Especially when you look at academia, spread out across the world and across time.
I have nothing against a good athletics program; but one shouldn’t blow up its importance.
Sam, I wasn’t aware that Harvard and Yale have Division 1 athletics. There are many paths to distinction. For a Catholic institution, the path should presumably be faithfulness to Ex Corde Ecclesiae—and I don’t remember reading anything in that document about the necessity for “top notch” athletics programs. The question you might ask yourself is this: Why does a (so far) rather small university in Southwest Florida, and without big athletics programs, keep getting international attention? The answer: An institution which proves that Catholics don’t need to trade Catholicism for academic excellence cannot be “obscure.”
My son wishes to attend a Catholic University and Ave Maria is on the list. This recognition is important on how the public views this university but it only confirms what I already knew. We need more Ave Maria’s and Franciscan University’s!
Sam, you are being sarcastic….. aren’t you? I would also suggest that the schools you mention no longer are truly Catholic in their teachings & advocacy. In fact, I often hear of events at ND that openly contradict the Church.
First I have to say that I hope and pray for the success of Ave Maria University. There has however been a great deal of scandal, mismanagement, and frankly, rebellious behavior toward the the Bishop of Venice by various people entrusted with making decisions for this university. Hopefully the tide has turned and they are getting on the right track. There is plenty of room in this world for more authentically Catholic institutions of higher education, so, welcome to the newest member of the Catholic University Family.
After 12 years as the Executive Director of Religious Formation for the
Archdiocese of New Orleans, I watched the establishment and growth of Ave Maria University. I rejoice with the Founder and the new President. Now that I have a new position in the Archdiocese, I will continue to follow and promote Ave Maria as an excellent choice for Louisiana students to look at. They have a marvelous tuition adjustment for needy students and parents should look closely.
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