Doctors, nurses, professors, students, administrators, clergy and lay people, took part in the inauguration of the new Biomedical Campus in Rome.

First, the Via Alvaro del Portillo was inaugurated with a blessing. This is a broad and pleasant avenue on which the campus is located. The project was begun in 1995, thanks to the inspiration of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo.

Bishop Echevarria, the current Prelate, was principal celebrant of the inaugural Mass in the Biomedical University chapel. The campus is a corporate apostolic work of Opus Dei.

In the presence of numerous authorities, Biomedical personnel, and journalists, two children cut the inaugural ribbon to officially open the new site. It makes available to the people of Rome 400 beds, 8 operating rooms, classrooms, and related facilities.

The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, blessed the new facility and extended to everyone there the "paternal affection" of Pope Benedict XVI.

The inaugural speeches took place in the main lobby of the Polyclinic. Bishop Javier Echevarria spoke of "the adventure that is now beginning: the challenge to imbue these facilities with a tenacious love for science, competent and sensitive care for the sick, and zeal for teaching the students."

The Prelate reminded those who work there of some words of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo: "I ask that you work with a spirit of unity and understanding, with optimism. Thus you will overcome, with God's help, all the obstacles; you will be happy, and more importantly, you will sanctify yourselves and help others to be holy, because you will be practicing the commandment of love."

In his speech, Cardinal Bertone said: "Taking your inspiration from the Gospel, you seek to put the human person at the heart of your work. Your study, teaching, research, and care are all directed to the good of specific men and women." He also stressed the importance of the Holy Father’s constant insistence that medical science must respect life.

The Cardinal continued: "Here you must transmit the Gospel through your professional work, aided by modern technology. You have to make your voices heard in the world of science without renouncing the non-negotiable values of the human patrimony. Thus, as Christ’s followers, you will achieve your calling to holiness."

Many of the students pursuing careers in the five health-care disciplines the university offers were present for the inauguration.

The rector of the Biomedical University, Dr. Vincenzo Lorenzelli, presided over the academic act. Referring to the new campus, he said that while the facilities "are only means and not ends," it is also true that "the agreeable environment they provide will encourage human fellowship and contribute to the formational purpose that underlies health care and research."

The day concluded with the academic procession of professors and authorities.