Today marks the start of the new academic year 2025-2026 at the Faculty of Theology Saint Isidore of Seville. On this significant day, the President-Dean, Mr Manuel Palma Ramírez, addressed a few words of welcome to the lecturers and students, all members of the academic community.
In his message, the Dean emphasised the hope and responsibility involved in resuming together the path of seeking truth and serving the Church and the world. Addressing new students in particular, he encouraged them to feel accompanied and supported in the noble effort of uniting faith and reason. He also welcomed the professors who are beginning their teaching work this year, emphasising that their academic and pastoral vocation enriches the entire university community.
The Dean also presented some new features for the academic year: the launch of online developments to expand the scope of teaching and facilitate access to content; improvements in building security, which seek to provide a safe and peaceful environment; and plans to renovate the Benedict XVI Library, the heart of the Faculty’s academic life, to maintain it as a living space for study, silence and the pursuit of knowledge.
Another key point in the speech was the presentation of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which will be unveiled in October. This project, the result of a process of listening and shared discernment, is structured around four lines: education, interdisciplinarity, contextuality and ongoing review. ‘It is a call for growth in quality and excellence, but above all an invitation to trust in God, who works with mercy and guides our institution,’ said the Dean.
Finally, Mr Manuel Palma entrusted this new academic year to the Holy Spirit, the ‘inner teacher’, to inspire studies, academic relationships and daily life in the Faculty, under the intercession of Mary Most Holy and Saint Isidore of Seville.
