Liverpool Hope University has awarded an Honorary Doctorate to internationally acclaimed preacher and author, Father Timothy Radcliffe OP.
Fr Radcliffe is a Roman Catholic priest and former Master of the Order of Preachers – the lead role in the religious order commonly known as the Dominicans.
The 77-year-old has been conferred a Doctor of Divinity (D.D), honoris causa, in recognition of his illustrious career as a globally celebrated theologian, as well as his commitment to tackling social issues and his work to develop young leaders.
He was presented with his honorary degree at a graduation ceremony held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on Thursday 20 July.
Ordained in 1971, Fr Timothy was Master of the Order of Preachers between 1992 and 2001 and remains the only member of the English Province of the Dominicans to hold that office.
Since the end of his term as master, Fr Timothy has enjoyed a varied and prestigious career, in which he has been constantly in demand across the globe as a speaker, lecturer, preacher and broadcaster.
He has written numerous books, winning the 2007 Michael Ramsey Prize for the best in theological writing for the much-admired What is the Point of Being a Christian?, which included the best of his public addresses in the three years before its 2005 release.
This award, however, stretches beyond Fr Timothy’s theological achievements, also recognising the deep care he has shown for others throughout his life.
He is a patron of Catholic AIDS Prevention and Support and has been involved in the ministry to people with Aids, as well campaigning against nuclear weapons.
Fr Timothy also spent eight years on the board of CAFOD and is a patron of the International Young Leaders Network and the Las Casas Institute for Social Justice.
Earlier this year, he was invited by Pope Francis to lead the Synod of Bishops Assembly in the Vatican, one of the most important global Church gatherings for decades.
“I am delighted to receive this honorary doctorate,” said Fr Timothy.
“I have been to Liverpool many times but have never visited the University before and the fact that I haven’t been to the University before made it an even greater honour.
“I think Liverpool Hope is a wonderful name. Hope is what these graduates need to believe that there is a future and they have a role in making that future. Hope is what we need so what is better than Liverpool Hope University?”
Liverpool Hope awards honorary doctorates to those who have excelled in their chosen field and whose work aligns with the University’s mission and values.
This recognition underlines Fr Timothy as someone who is an example to all of the University’s students and graduates and, reflecting on what they can learn from his career, he says it is important to embrace life’s surprises.
“I hope they will let themselves be surprised,” he explained.
“When I became a Dominican there were two things I didn’t want to do; I didn’t want to be a teacher or the leader of a community and I ended being both of those.
“I think the great thing for me is to let life take you in unexpected directions, where you perhaps didn’t even want to go. Then, you will have wonderful surprises.”
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Claire Ozanne, added: “We award honorary degrees to those who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise and in that regard, Fr Timothy could not be more deserving of this recognition.
“As a theologian, he is held in the highest esteem around the world, whilst the care and compassion for others which has been evident throughout his life with his numerous charitable and social justice endeavours is something we can all learn from.
“I am therefore delighted to welcome Fr Timothy into this University as Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa.”