Last weekend, the community of the Adventist University Institute “Villa Aurora” gathered to experience together the opening ceremony of the new 2025-2026 academic year, an event that marks the beginning of a shared educational and spiritual journey.
Friday evening: a beginning under the sign of faith
The ceremony began Friday evening with a moment of worship and with the message from Saverio Scuccimarri, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, who introduced this year’s motto: “Called to go”. Drawing from the text of Hebrews 11:8, we were reminded of Abraham’s example, called by God to undertake a journey into the unknown, trusting in His promise.
Saturday morning: reflections, welcome and testimony
Saturday began with Sabbath School, dedicated to reflections on the theme of Exodus, led by T. Pispisa, M. De Giovanni, C. Ponticella, T. Rimoldi, L. Viana and M. Vitarelli.
A particularly significant moment was the welcome: the presentation of new students from the Adventist Faculty of Theology (FAT), new students from the DiLCAI program, and volunteers, who will enrich the academic community this year.
Saturday morning concluded with the sermon by professors A. Pecchioli and N. Petruk, who emphasized the beauty and responsibility of God’s calling, inviting everyone to respond with faith and courage.
Saturday afternoon: the community on the journey
In the afternoon, the ceremony continued with a new moment of praise, the presentation of FAT and DiLCAI staff and faculty, confirming the centrality of the academic body in student formation.
A special event made the opening of the year even more solemn: the conferring of the theology degree to Benjamin Dwomoh, who crowned his course of study with great joy and gratitude.
A shared calling
The entire weekend testified to the strength of the community, united in beginning a new journey. The Adventist University Institute confirms itself as a place where study, spirituality and life together interweave, under the sign of a calling that invites everyone to depart with faith and walk with courage.
