Leading St Thomas More scholar donates collection to library

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Fall 30-4-2008

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Sydney Campus

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

The late and widely respected Father Brian Byron has bequeathed his collections of the complete works of St Thomas More and the New Catholic Encyclopedia to The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney.

These books will be added to the University’s Law collection on the Broadway site, ensuring that students have the opportunity to study St Thomas More, the Patron Saint of Lawyers, and his writings.

Fr Byron was widely recognized as Australia’s pre-eminent More scholar. Greg Smith SC MP, President of the St Thomas More Society in Sydney, said he had contributed greatly to raising awareness of the Saint amongst Catholic lawyers in New South Wales (NSW).

“Over the years, Fr Byron organised two major conferences and gave several valuable lectures to the Society, informing others on More and his works,” said Mr Smith.

Dean of Law at Notre Dame, Professor Gerard Ryan, said the School is delighted and honoured to receive such a generous and valued bequest.

“Having this collection here means our students will now have the opportunity to access the writings of our patron saint.

“Fr Byron was known as both a gifted academic and a wonderful pastoral man – qualities which we endeavour to foster in our students. A gift such as this from a person with these qualities could not be more appropriate for the law school,” said Professor Ryan.

Media contact:

Moira Saunders 02 8204 4407

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