Aguascalientes, Ags. October 22, 2024. As part of the 35th anniversary of the campus Aguascalientes campus of the Universidad Panamericanacampus, we evoke one of the most transcendental moments in the history of our institution: the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1990. This event not only remains alive in the memory of the university, but also left a deep spiritual mark that is still valid today. left a deep spiritual imprint that continues to this day.
His visit, on May 8, 1990, was not only a blessing for the campus, but also reaffirmed the university's commitment to the university.eaffirmed the university's commitment to human values and integral formation, principles that have guided its mission since its founding.
On that day, His Holiness John Paul II blessed the first stone of what would become the campus oratory, in a ceremony that symbolized the deep spiritual and educational bond that the university maintains to this day.in a ceremony that symbolized the deep spiritual and educational bond that the university maintains to this day. The cornerstonea marble block with a bronze plaque and a representation of the crucifix of the Pope's crozier, was made in record time by sculptor Fernando Villegas. Although the image of Christ that was presented that day was a plaster cast, the Pope's blessing gave it an eternal significance..
With his characteristic warmth and closeness, the Pope kissed and blessed the crucifix before hundreds of faithful and members of the university community. kissed and blessed the crucifix before the attentive gaze of hundreds of the faithful and members of the university community congregated in Aguascalientes to listen to his message. The photograph that captured this moment has gone around the world.It has been reproduced on postcards and in international publications, becoming a symbol of John Paul II's legacy at Universidad Panamericana.
The Pope's visit was not only a religious event, but an event that left a profound mark on the Pan-American School's educational project. In his speech, His Holiness called for "open the world of education to Christ" and stressed the importance of forming young people in true human values, promoting a deeper union with God. These words resonated deeply in the community of the then Bonaterra University, and continue to be a guide in its educational mission.
A spiritual legacy that transcends generations
Today, 35 years after its foundationUniversidad Panamericana campus Aguascalientes continues to be a reference in the formation of leaders with human values. The cross that the Pope blessed on that historic visit has become a relic that presides over the campus anteoratory, a constant reminder of the spiritual mission that accompanies the institution.
The relationship between Universidad Panamericana and the figure of John Paul II is a source of pride for the entire educational community. for the entire educational community. As expressed by Rafael Muñoz Núñezone of the fundamental pillars in the creation of the university, the Pope's blessing represented a divine commitment to the mission of educating youth in the academic excellence and human values that Panamericana has upheld since its inception.
Today, the relic blessed by Pope John Paul II is one of the most valuable treasures of the campus and can be admired in its original place. This event continues to be a point of reference not only for members of the university community, but for the entire society of Aguascalientes, which has accompanied and supported the growth of the university over the years.
At a time when John Paul II is remembered around the world for his spiritual and humanitarian legacy, the Panamericana campus in Aguascalientes is honored to be part of that history.the Pan American campus in Aguascalientes is honored to be part of that history. His visit in 1990 and the blessing of the first stone of the oratory are symbols of his commitment to Christian formation and respect for the dignity of the people. to Christian formation and respect for human dignity that have guided our institution since its founding.
Get to know in depth the values that make up our identity: https://www.up.edu.mx/sobre-la-universidad-fundamentos-y-valores/
