The Anahuac Community celebrates the inauguration of the St. John Paul II Hall

A new space in honor of St. John Paul II was inaugurated on the North Campus in a ceremony attended by prominent academic and student authorities.

On May 17, 2024, Anahuac Mexico University North Campus celebrated the inauguration of the St. John Paul II Hall in the renovated Exhibition Hall. This new space pays homage to a man who profoundly impacted the academic and spiritual lives of many generations.

During this solemn act, the Anahuac Community gathered to honor this Pope, whose love and closeness to Mexico is reflected in the phrase that resounded in every corner of the country: "John Paul, brother, you are now Mexican". This sentiment is embodied in the dedication of this hall, which seeks to perpetuate his legacy in university life.

In his message, Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., Rector of Anahuac University, highlighted the importance of this Pope in the educational and spiritual life of young people. He recalled how St. John Paul II left an indelible mark on Catholic universities by promoting an all-embracing culture and dialogue between faith and reason, as well as working for the common good.

Ivan Varela, a student at the John Paul II Pontifical Theological Institute, shared his perspective on St. John Paul II's impact on youth, noting that "the Pope saw young people as the hope for the future and founded World Youth Days to inspire them. He taught us that we are the image of God and that we must live with a sense of transcendence."

Héctor Sampieri Rubach, director of said Institute, also addressed a few words to those present in which he highlighted St. John Paul II's vision of the vocation to love and the importance of preparing young people for marriage. "His priesthood was a testimony of the search for a beautiful and authentic love. The Anahuac University has known how to harbor this mission, bringing students together for this noble purpose," he added.  
During his speech, Dr. Sánchez García stressed the relevance of teaching truth and integrity in education and recalled that for St. John Paul II, "the task of the teacher was crucial since it is not just about imparting technical knowledge, but of delving deeper into the truth. His closeness to young people and leadership were fundamental in his life and work".

The ceremony included an emotional surprise: Father Gaspar Guevara Espinosa, L.C., presented two grade-one relics of St. John Paul II: a blood-stained cassock and a signed skullcap.

The event culminated with the unveiling of the bust and the commemorative space in the Hall by Dr. Cipriano Sánchez, Héctor Sampieri, Dr. Francesca Munda Magill, director of the School of Education and Humanities, and student Iván Varela. The phrase of St. John Paul II: "You thirst for life, seek it and find it in the one who is life itself," was written in the enclosure as a reminder of his wisdom and spiritual guidance.

This inauguration not only marks the physical renovation of a space but also the renewal of Anahuac Mexico University's commitment to the values and teachings of St. John Paul II, making this room a meeting place for the entire University Community.