Statement of Condolence on the passing of Professor Joaquim Cerqueira Gonçalves, PhD
A memorial Mass for Professor Joaquim Cerqueira Gonçalves will be held on 4 September at 1.00 pm in the Chapel of Santa Maria, at the Sede da Sabedoria on the Palma de Cima Campus of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
"Professor Joaquim Cerqueira Gonçalves, PhD, Full Professor at the Faculty of Human Sciences and President of the Scientific Society of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, passed away on 22 August. A Franciscan priest, Professor Cerqueira Gonçalves was one of the most pre-eminent philosophers of contemporary Portugal, and a founding figure at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, affirming the central role of philosophy in a model of a Catholic, universal and pluralist university. At the Faculty of Human Sciences, Fr Cerqueira mentored a generation of philosophers who today carry out their mission both at the UCP and at other Portuguese universities.
His passing represents an irreparable loss for the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, for the academic and scientific community, and for all those who had the privilege of knowing him and following his life’s journey and service to the Church, the University and society.
An intellectual of recognised merit, a dedicated priest and a teacher of exceptional calibre, Professor Joaquim Cerqueira Gonçalves distinguished himself through the depth of his thought, the rigour of his teaching and his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth and the holistic education of new generations. His contribution to philosophical reflection and to the academic life of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa constitutes a legacy of great value, which will remain with us.
As President of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, and on my own behalf, I pay my most heartfelt tribute to his memory and offer my sincerest condolences to his family, to the Portuguese Province of the Franciscan Order, to his colleagues, students and friends, as well as to all members of the Faculty of Human Sciences and the Scientific Society of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.
May the example set by his life, his thinking and his service continue to inspire our university community.
In his memory, we offer our profound gratitude and our heartfelt appreciation."
The President
Isabel Capeloa Gil