Monsignor Agripino N??ez Collado received the Great Cross of Christopher Columbus from President Hip?lito Mej?a yesterday. Nu?ez Collado is the rector of the Pontificia Universidad Cat?lica Madre y Maestra, the country?s largest private university, and for many years has been that institution?s driving force.
The award is considered to be one of the highest given to civilians and was presented to the renowned cleric for having dedicated his life ?to promoting people living together in peace and pushing for the spiritual and material progress of the people?.
In his remarks, President Mej?a said that Monsignor N??ez had achieved a full pastoral life in which ?he combined his knowledge of philosophy and theology with his talents as a good manager?.
Monsignor N??ez thanked the President, saying: ?You, Mr. President, have given proof of the propensity that you have for dialogue, meeting with the different parties in conflict each time that it has been necessary.?
Decree 405-03 says that the decoration is reserved for ?high merits for [one?s] condition as a conciliator between the different sectors of the national scene, as well as for [one?s] sustained work in benefit of higher education.?