Commemorative Medal to Fr Stephen Kuncherakatt
Fr Stephen Kuncherakatt receives the academic status of “emeritus professor” and it is honored with the commemorative medal of the Salesian Pontifical University, which is conferred on him by the Dean of the Faculty of Theology Fr Giorgio Zevini.
After having obtained the Ph.D. in Liturgy at the Pontifical Athenaeum “Saint Anselm” in Rome in the year 1971, he began lecturing Liturgy, Systematic, and Spiritual Theology. He carried out this activity since the year 1971 until 2007, mostly in India: at the Sacred Heart Seminary, the inter-diocesan major seminary run by the Salesians, and at the Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore, the inter-provincial Salesian Studentate affiliated to the Faculty of Theology of UPS. Also the students in Cremisan and Ratisbonne availed of his teaching activity as professor in Spiritual Theology, and Salesian Studies. Not only did he lecture in these study Centres, but also he was appointed by the Superiors as Novice Master in India, and afterwards, as Rector of the Community of the Salesian Deacons in Rome.
In Ratsibonne, as emeritus professor, he generously keeps giving his precious collaboration to support the students who need to improve their knowledge of English (and I take this opportunity to say that Fr Stephen speaks fluently three European languages, English, Italian, and German), and in reading the final written papers of the fourth-year students.
Fr Roberto's Speech
Dear Fr Francesco Cereda, Fr Maurizio Spreafico, Fr Francis Preston, Fr Giorgio Zevini, and Fr Jark Rochowiak; Dear fellow-professors and students,
It is my privilege today to introduce this short presentation by which we express wholeheartedly our gratitude to Fr Stephen Kuncherakatt who receives the academic status of “emeritus professor”. We are here today to witness Fr. Stephen being honored with the commemorative medal of the Salesian Pontifical University, which will be conferred on him by the Dean of the Faculty of Theology Fr Giorgio Zevini.
In Ratsibonne, as emeritus professor, he generously keeps giving his precious collaboration to support the students who need to improve their knowledge of English (and I take this opportunity to say that Fr Stephen speaks fluently three European languages, English, Italian, and German), and in reading the final written papers of the fourth-year students.
What is the main characteristic of Fr Stephen as professor of Theology? I would answer: he is a “theologian” in the fullest meaning of the term because he has operated the synthesis between his knowledge and his spirituality, his mind and his heart, his reason and his faith, as every theologian ought to be. All of us who have the grace to keep in touch with him appreciate his sense of kind and peaceful inmost reconciliation. This is the reason by which, after teaching theology for many years in the classroom, now he is going on teaching by ministering as spiritual adviser and confessor.
Somehow today’s event marks the end of the activity of Fr Stephen as Professor of Theology. And we know very well that the sentiments of Fr Stephen are humility, joy, and thankfulness, just as Saint Thomas Aquinas. The story goes that once the Lord Jesus said to him: “Thomas, you have spoken well about me. What do you want as my reward?” And Thomas replied” “Nothing, but you”.
Please, Fr Stephen, accept the commemorative silver medal, as token and expression of our gratitude.
Don Roberto Spataro