Archbishop Francis Carroll DD
Photo: Carroll, Archbishop Francis, DD
Archbishop Francis Carroll DD was awarded Australian Catholic University's (ACU National) highest honour, Doctor of the University (honoris causa), at the University's Canberra Campus (Signadou) graduation ceremony on Friday 31 March 2006.
The award was bestowed upon Archbishop Carroll in recognition of his tireless contribution to Catholic Education and the communities which he has served so well, and his unwavering commitment to ecumenism and interfaith relations.
ACU National Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter W Sheehan AO, said,
"Australian Catholic University is proud to recognise the humble and outstanding achievements of Francis Patrick Carroll. From the time of his ordination in 1954 he has given leadership and inspiration to all who have been his people. His work as priest, bishop and archbishop have been marked by a commitment to bringing the good news and hope to the people, balanced with a realistic awareness of the concerns of the modern world."
"Francis Carroll will always be remembered as one of the most significant forces in the development of Catholic education in Australia. He is a great supporter of Australian Catholic University and maintains a keen interest in this University and in its graduates."
Prior to his installation as Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn in 1983, Archbishop Carroll served in parishes in Griffith and Albury. He took the role of Assistant Diocesan Inspector of Schools and became Director of Catholic Education for the diocese of Wagga Wagga in 1965. He has been a spiritual director to the Cursillo movement and was a member of the first National Catholic Education Commission (1969-1971). In 1974, he was appointed to the International Catechetical Commission, an appointment he held for 18 years. He was the Australian representative at the Synod of Bishops on Catechesis in 1977 and was the first chairperson of the National Catholic Education Commission from 1974 to 1978, remaining a member until 1988. In more recent years he has been involved in the National Council of Churches in Australia, has served on the Board of the Centre for Christianity and Culture, and is President of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference.
