Beginning and continuing with the heart

A message from the Executive Dean of Theology and Philosophy, Professor Richard Colledge.

As we hurtle towards the final weeks of 2024 (amazing to think that we’re approaching a quarter of the way through the 21st century, isn’t it?), it’s worth reflecting on the many good things that came our way this year, even in the midst of the many challenges we have faced. I refer here not only to our tumultuous and restless international scene, but also to our own university community.

Pope Francis’ recently published fourth encyclical, Dilexit Nos – dedicated to the theme of human and divine love – is filled to the brim with references to the heart. In his characteristic way, Pope Francis moves easily from a theological discourse (on the sacred heart of Jesus) to a social engagement focus on the indispensability of outward-looking love for others as a way to overcome division. “It is only by starting from the heart”, he writes, “that our communities will succeed in uniting and reconciling differing minds and wills”. For, “a society dominated by narcissism and self-centredness will increasingly become ‘heartless’”.

One of the things I especially appreciate about our ACU Vision 2033 document is its own uncompromising outward-looking focus that privileges the flourishing of others, the thriving of communities, and the pursuit of goods that are shared or ‘in common’ rather than those that are ethically inward-turning. What is true in general, is also very true of a university: we succeed most when we engage with others in a spirit of genuine care. This care is most effective when it is powered by intellect and the pursuit of excellence; not in order to grandstand, but to offer the best we have in service to others and to our communities.

Whether it be in our teaching, our research or our engagement activities, I’m heartened by all manner of ways in which ACU staff are enacting that mission. If I may focus for a moment on the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy – a faculty that I’ve been given the honour to lead – a number of examples come to mind.

In terms of teaching and coursework, a major focus through this year (and one that will similarly dominate 2025) has been the Core Curriculum revitalisation project. Here we are looking to make available to our undergraduate students a rich banquet of options for encountering our Catholic intellectual tradition, that has at its heart the importance of genuine care – love – for others.

In terms of our research agenda, it is seen in our developing portfolio of research engagement projects that bring expertise to the collaborative table. Examples include our IRCI Biblical and Early Christian Studies program’s work on the international Flourishing project, our fledging engagements with other Catholic universities in our own Asia-Pacific region that we are looking to build over coming years, and a Porticus-funded research project that is investigating what practical inclusive governance in a Synodal Church can and should look like in the years ahead.

Finally, led in many ways by our Xavier Centre for Theological Formation, but encompassing other areas as well, the faculty is playing a leading role in supporting dioceses, Catholic Health agencies and education offices in furthering their own missions.

However, of particular focus at the moment is our role in supporting new and refreshed thinking relating to the role of women in Church leadership and governance. Both the recently celebrated Plenary Council in Australia and the recent ‘Synod on Synodality’ gatherings in Rome have spent much time on this theme, as did the Royal Commission that identified the need for more enhanced involvement of women in Church governance. But change in this area requires high quality training and formation.

In this context, our internationally recognised postgraduate Women’s Leadership for Mission program plays a significant role. This is a program created by women colleagues in the faculty to enable and support emerging female leaders across all sectors of life and work in Australia.

What makes all things possible here is a genuine commitment to others that orients intellectual expertise toward the common good. Academic life, at its best, is a calling of the heart.