Reverend Dr John Thornhill SM
Photo: Reverend Dr John Thornhill SM
Australian Catholic University (ACU National) awarded leading theologian Reverend Dr John Thornhill SM with its highest honour, Doctor of the University (Honoris Causa), at its Sydney ceremony for graduating Education students on Tuesday 8 May 2007.
More than 380 students from ACU National’s Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) graduated at the Sydney Town Hall ceremony, with Dr Thornhill providing the occasional address to graduates.ACU National Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Sheehan AO said Dr Thornhill had made theology extraordinarily accessible to Australians from all walks of life.
“John Thornhill is one of Australia’s foremost theologians; a quiet, unassuming man who has affected real and lasting social change during a career spanning more than 50 years,” Professor Sheehan said.
“John is the author of six books including Making Australia, which was shortlisted for the Order of Australia Literary Award in 1992. He is also a founding member, past president and life member of the Australian Theological Association. In 1980, he was appointed by Pope John Paul II to the International Theological Commission.
“Australian Catholic University is delighted to bestow its highest honour upon Dr Thornhill in recognition of his major contribution to adult faith education through the disciplines of philosophy and theology. His parish-based community work with the migrants of Melbourne’s western suburbs, his long and outstanding teaching career, and his commitment to making the teachings of the Church accessible to as many people as possible, are testimony to his deep commitment to the intellectual development of the Catholic church.”
