Golden Weddings of the University of Azuay

Golden Weddings of the University of Azuay

We are surprised by the simplicity and clarity with which Jesus taught. The simplicity with which he talks about the work of God. Many of his listeners were peasants, housewives, hardworking people; that is why his parables spoke of the field, of the seed, of household chores, of fishing.

He tells us about the mustard seed and the yeast (Lc 13, 18-21). Both are small, humble, insignificant, but they act effectively. From the small seed grows a bush, the flour dough is fermented with a little yeast. This is how God works in our lives: silent and silent, but always effective.

Throughout the History of Salvation, especially in the Gospels, the predilection of God is seen for the small, the poor and simple who trust in Him and put themselves in their hands. To these God reveals the secrets of his Kingdom. He likes to use poor and humble means to do his great works. God never acts overwhelmingly and arrogantly.

In these parables we see the history of the University of Azuay reflected. Its origins were very humble and simple. The dream of a few clerics and lay people was made real thanks to their faith, perseverance, intelligence and spirit of service. The UDA was the mustard granite planted in the heart of Azuay and, with the grace of God and the effort of many, has grown like a big tree, sheltering thousands of young people and adults who have been trained in these 50 years. its shadow

Pope Francis says that "universities, by their nature, are called to be laboratories of dialogue and encounter at the service of truth, justice and the defense of human dignity at all levels." The University, as a community of research and study, also has to face the complex ethical and cultural challenges that arise from radical changes that affect the world of our time. An urgent aspect of its educational mission is the formation for the solidary commitment, the education to serve the people, so necessary to fight the great inequalities and injustices, the corruption and the violence that characterize the world of today.

We have to work at the service of truth, justice and defense of human dignity, thus we join the mission of the Church, which seeks to promote the authentic and integral growth of the family.

We thank God for the 50 years of the University of Azuay. We recognize that without the provident hand of God, this work would never have been realized in the service of the integral education of young people. We also thank all the men and women who passed through the UDA and put - unselfishly - at the service of the students, their wisdom, their professional experience and their human and Christian quality. They, as instruments of God, are the living stones that have built this temple of knowledge.