Cardinal António Ribeiro honoured at the Universidade Católica
The Universidade Católica honoured D. António Ribeiro, former Patriarch of Lisbon and first Grand Chancellor of the university between 1971 and 1998, at a ceremony held at its headquarters in Lisbon, attended by several figures close to the Cardinal.
Highlighting his ‘clear-sighted vision’, Isabel Capeloa Gil, President of Universidade Católica, described D. António Ribeiro as a ‘key figure’ for the mission and life of the Church in Portugal and for the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), ‘with a clear commitment to societal development’.
‘He left an indelible mark on the history of our institution. His discreet and firm action left us a lasting legacy that continued to inspire the academic, cultural and spiritual mission of the UCP,’ reiterated Isabel Capeloa Gil in her opening speech, also expressing her gratitude for the creation of the D. António Ribeiro Foundation and its support for the Faculty of Theology.
‘In his presence, we felt unique,’ shared Canon Álvaro Bizarro, recalling various episodes and conversations he had with D. António Ribeiro during his participation in the round table moderated by Vice-Rector José Manuel Pereira de Almeida, which brought together former colleagues and friends.
Canon Francisco Tito Espinheira, meanwhile, discussed some of his personality traits and his pastoral programme. ‘With his serene lucidity, firm character and enlightened and enlightening words, he was the great architect of the Church's place in democratic society,’ he recalled, alluding to the times before and after 25 April. ‘In his presence, no one ever felt small,’ he assured.
“He was a man who impressed me with his apparent austerity and distance, but at the same time with his sense of affection and justice, which made him the spokesperson and leader of the Church in such troubled times,” described Father Peter Stilwell “His memory is a blessing to us,” he concluded.
As for Maria Luísa Falcão, a collaborator of the Patriarchate, she praised his ‘figure as a father and pastor,’ commending his attitude of total support for the group of Catholics who, in 1975, staged a silent demonstration in front of the Patriarchate in support of the diocesan church and the patriarch.
The tribute was closed by D. Rui Valério, current Grand Chancellor of the Universidade Católica and Patriarch of Lisbon, for whom D. António Ribeiro was ‘a beacon of hope for the Church and for Portuguese society’.
Highlighting three aspects of his legacy, he began by saying that ‘his sobriety in speech reflected a profound wisdom, forged in listening, discernment and prayer’ and that he stood out ‘for the strength of his gestures, his serene closeness and his attentive care for people and communities’. He then mentioned the “decisive role he played in Portuguese social life, in the delicate transition to democracy”, knowing how to “firmly affirm the principle of freedom, the freedom of conscience and dignity of each person, and the freedom of the Church to be present in the public sphere, without fear or constraints”. He concluded by emphasising his dedication to reforming the pastoral life of the Patriarchate of Lisbon, revitalising parishes, strengthening the training of priests and giving new vigour to university pastoral care, the Church's social action and cultural dialogue.
“He knew how to combine firmness and delicacy, prudence and heart, tradition and renewal,” summarised D. Rui Valério.
The tribute to D. António Ribeiro also included the presentation of his portrait, painted by António Macedo, a painting now on display in the rectory of the Universidade Católica.