Speech at Asmara University
``Life is full of trials and tribulations and man in his struggle to survive and
guide his own destiny has to be prepared to meet its many challenges,
particularly in our modern world. Education can harness man's immense potential
and enable him to be better equipped in his life-long pursuit so he can utilize
his strength and intellect to the highest use. Mankind has benefited from this
through the ages.
Much as a man has progressed in the scientific and technological fields he has
not made a parallel endeavor to enrich himself spiritually. The materialism of
today is over-riding the spiritual values to the extent that today we observe a
lot of unrest and social upheavals which have become common phenomena the world
over. Unless humanity reverts to the time honored values which have enabled past
generations to overcome with courage the adversities they had encountered in
their daily lives, we shall not only be failing ourselves but posterity as well.
In order to advance in our respective undertakings and set ourselves on the
right path we have to learn and draw abundantly from the great spiritual
heritage which our fathers and forefathers have bequeathed to us. This can give
us strength and a sense of continuity which are essential for progress and
development. Learning and profound knowledge nurture noble character and impart
wisdom.
The family unit and educational establishments have great responsibilities in
these endeavors for they are the basis of national progress and prosperity. The
harvest of life is character which grows with time and it is this very factor
that determines one's destiny and future. We shall always bear this in mind and
in so doing, we shall avoid personal disaster and will not bring adverse
influence on others.
It is Our expressed hope that the education which you have acquired here will
enable you, the graduating class, to face with determination the challenges that
you are to encounter in your future assignments so that you will be a positive
contribution to the growth and development of your country. You should be well
aware of the fact that it is not mere academic achievement that is expected of
you. Your knowledge and training, unless put to proper and practical use, will
be wasted like hoarded money and you will be no better in this regard than the
uneducated. Higher education which you have been fortunate to pursue entails
heavy responsibilities and obligations.
As the measure of your growth in your respective lines of studies remains to be
revealed in your future careers, you should now be prepared to render dedicated
services commensurate with the education you have had here. Throughout your life
your competence will be gauged by the tasks you are to accomplish and you shall
be rewarded accordingly. It is, therefore your primary duty to work hard in
order to make sure that the result of your labors are worthy of the efforts
spent on your education. People who have had the good opportunity of the
education you have had should always adopt a rational and far-sighted approach
to problems which they may face in the course of their careers and should
likewise endeavor to find lasting solutions for them which are adaptable and
applicable to local conditions. In the future you have to serve your beloved
country with sincerity and revealing faithfulness in accordance with the Golden
Rule, Love thy neighbor as thyself, for it is only then that you can be useful
to yourselves and of service to your fellow countrymen.
There is nothing more worthwhile and rewarding in life than to work for the
benefit of others. One can derive more pleasure from giving than from receiving.
We believe that each and every one of you who in leaving this institution for
his or her respective calling has come to realize that education is seldom
prized merely on account of its usefulness to individuals. Nor is it intended to
be a mere ornament and a mark of distinction and prominence to the persons who
are fortunate to receive it. Those who have had the opportunity to learn should
always be at the disposal of those who have not had its benefit. Therefore, it
is not only the individual but the community at large which should benefit from
the virtues of education. The words of the Holy Bible, Give and it shall be
given unto you, are worth observing in your daily lives. This momentous event
should be a time in which you should reflect and pose to yourselves the
questions, what kind of service are we going to render to our country and what
do we intend to accomplish in life? It is our firm belief that if you forego
self-love and self-indulgence and break away from worldly desires and you will
be able to make great contributions to your family, community and country.
It is not long since the university was established. However, within this short
span of time it has been able to develop and expand its facilities and services
with admiration. These have been made possible because of the tenacity and
dedication of the president and staff of this university. We deeply appreciate
their endeavors and also wish to thank the government and people of Italy for
their continued generous grants and contributions which have definitely helped
the growth and progress of this university. We are also aware that His Holiness
Pope Paul VI has been providing assistance to this university.
May the Almighty bless and guide the members of the graduating class of this
year and crown their future with success.``