(Rome, Italy). On March 9, 2005, the Athenaeum Antonianum celebrated officially its reception of the new title as a Pontifical University at St. Anthony of Padua Church next to the university. Among the standing room only crowd were many dignitaries: His eminence, Most Reverend Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, Prefect of the Congregation of Catholic Education, His Eminence, Most Rev. Cardinal Ignace Moussa Daud I, Patriarch Emeritus of Antioch in Syria, Prefect of the Congregation of Oriental churches, Minister Generals, Brothers José Rodríguez Carballo (OFM), John Corriveau (OFM.Cap), and Elias Zivkovic (TOR) as well as the General Vicars of the OFMConv, Fermino Giacometti and OFMCap, Aurelio Laita, Msgr. Silvano Piergiorgio Nesti, Secretary of the Congregation of the Institute of the Consecrated Life and the Society of Apostolic Life, the present Rector, Br. Marco Nobile, OFM and the new Rector, Br. Johannes B. Freyer, OFM.


Along with these dignitaries were numerous Rectors, Vice-Rectors, Presidents, Deans and Professors from diverse universities inside and outside of Rome. Provincials, numerous religious men and women, students and friends who filled the church to its capacity. The more than two hour ceremony featured discourses by the present Rector, Br. Marco Nobile and the new Rector, Br. Johannes Baptista Freyer. There were messages by the OFM Minister General and Cardinal Grocholewski, along with the reading of the decree nominating the new Rector, his Profession of Faith and Fidelity, reading of the official letter announcing the reception of the title of a Pontifical University. In the middle of the ceremony, Silvia Scicolone, soprano and Katia Castelli, mezzosoprano with Br. Giuseppe Schipani, OFM at the organ entertained everyone with their rendition of a variety of selections, including Mozart’s Ave Maria and Michelangel Grancini’s Dulcis Christe. The blessing of a commemorative stone slab, which highlights the new designation of a PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY, and a closing blessing by Cardinal Grocholewski concluded the festive ceremony, which installed Br. Johannes Baptista Freyer, OFM as the new Rector of the Pontifical Antonianum University.


Br. Freyer was born on July 13, 1953 in Waldshut (Baden) Germany. He joined the Franciscans on January 6, 1977. After having completed his philosophical and theological studies, he was ordained to the priesthood on February 12, 1983. He completed his licentiate (1984-1986) and doctoral studies in Spirituality (1986-1989) from the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality at the Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum. After having had various responsibilities within his Province dei Tre Re Magi including Director of Formation and Definitor, Br. Freyer received his obedience to return to the Antonianum on March 25, 1997. In the inaugural address after his installation, the new Rector centered his thoughts mostly around three questions: 1) what does it mean to be a Pontifical and Franciscan University in today’s world; 2) what thoughts and values constitute a true Franciscan of our University; and 3) to what task must I direct my service as Rector of the University. He will dedicate his service especially to his Faculty and to the curriculum of the students. He also hopes to collaborate with the other universities and institutions of Rome. He concluded his address thanking diverse persons and asking for the prayers of everyone.