If this Latin phrase brings to your mind a nostalgic predilection for a patrimony both ancient and vibrant but not commonly recognized in our society, you are most likely someone who would be refreshed by the website of the Catholic Distance University (www.cdu.edu) and its motto: Joy from the Truth! It’s hard to imagine a more stirring phrase.
The Catholic Church has been in the business of educating since its founding, and there are many treasures to be found in its rich 2,000-year spiritual patrimony of inspiring wisdom and teaching.
Founded in 1983 by Bishop Thomas Welsh in the Diocese of Arlington, CDU now has more than a quarter of a century of experience in communicating the truths of the faith using the distance learning format. Inspired by St. Augustine’s claim that there is joy in searching for, discovering and communicating truth in every field of knowledge, CDU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology, catechetical diplomas, and an associate of arts degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Catholic studies. Its courses provide faithful and systematic teachings of Sacred Scripture, the living tradition of the Church, and the authentic Magisterium, as well as the spiritual heritage of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church.
The university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and it is certified as a degree granting institution by the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia. Its catechetical programs are approved by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy.
CDU also collaborates with a half dozen dioceses in providing cost-effective, high quality on-line programs in adult faith formation. Distance learning has proven to be an extremely successful pedagogical approach. Those familiar with it understand why its popularity is rising so rapidly among educational institutions. CDU appears to be using this technology very successfully. It has 300 students in all 50 states and in 60 countries!
As CDU’s website states, the Catholic Church has been in the business of educating since its founding, and there are many treasures to be found in its rich 2,000-year spiritual patrimony of inspiring wisdom and teaching. Pope John Paul II reaffirmed this in his apostolic constitution Ex corde ecclesiae in 1990 when he restated the essential importance of faith in the working of faculty, staff and students in Catholic universities which, as he wrote, are intellectual communities that are uniquely Catholic because of their respect for truth.
Ancient truths promulgated and shared by modern technology. Isn’t it remarkable how the Kingdom advances?