"Celebrate Ave Maria," Cardinal Wuerl Tells AMU Fundraising Dinner

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Published on Saturday, 23 February 2013 01:55

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, gave a somewhat different address to an Ave Maria University fundraising dinner Thursday night than he might have been planning just a month ago.

Cardinal Wuerl had priase for AMU, but speaking in Naples just three days before leaving for Rome, the cardinal also expressed some thoughts about the coming papal conclave.

"We need to keep focused on our spiritual mission," Cardinal Wuerl said, adding that he thought the new pope should carry on the work of his predecessors, including continuing on with evangelism in the Church. Right, Cardinal Wuerl and AMU President Jim Towey (far right) with university supporters Rhodora and Jack Donahue, who were honored at the dinner.

The decision on a new leader for the Church will be made in an atmosphere of prayer and thoughtfulness during the papal conclave, he said.

"It's a moment, or however long it may be, days, weeks, of silence where we need to be open,'' Donald Cardinal Wuerl said..

"We need to keep focused on our spiritual mission,'' he said of the conclave to be held in March after the announcement that Pope Benedict will step down at the end of this month.

The cardinal spoke to a crowd of about 350 supporters at Ave Maria University's second annual scholarship dinner. The program awards $10 million to students every year.

University President Jim Towey took the opportunity to praise the Cardinal's commitment to the college, pointing out that his trip to Naples was happening just days before his journey to the Vatican.

"We knew you loved Ave Maria University, but we didn't realize until now just how much," Towey said.

The cardinal praised the university and its commitment to quality education and its mission to provide values to the young men and women on campus.

Cardinal Wuerl spoke of the great need for evangelism in our society today.

"We live in a world simply awash in secularism,'' he said and overcoming that hurdle along with materialism and individualism is important for Catholics today.

"Is this not the reason why we have Ave Maria University?" he asked. "It offers us another vision of life. It's another way of life."

Cardinal Wuerl urged Catholics to practice evangelism by renewing their faith, standing in its truth and sharing it with others. He called it "our moment" and the new Pentecost.

"At the heart of new evangelization is the challenge to say all over again, particularly to those who have drifted away from the Church, that Jesus really is the answer,'' Cardinal Wuerl said.

The university's mission is important to that movement.

"We can be so proud of this university,'' he said. " These young, impressive men and women show us that, yes, there is a moral order, there is a way to live morally. We should celebrate Ave Maria University." Above, right, AMU senior Vanessa Tompkins provided some of the entertainment at the dinner.

Also at the dinner, AMU President Jim Towey honored Jack and Rhodora Donahue of Naples, who have been strong supporters of the school for years.

He announced that the area in front of the oratory will be named after them. Rhodora Donahue was also conferred with an honorary doctorate degree. Mr. Donahue had previously received one, making them the first husband and wife to receive Ave Maria University honorary degrees. Left, Mrs. Donahue.
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Content for this story was contributed by Brigid O'Malley of Ave Maria University. Photos by Tony Zollo