January 21, 2006
It is my privilege to welcome you to Carlow University 's Baccalaureate Mass.
On Commencement Day, we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, the teaching of our faculty, and the service of our staff.
This afternoon our focus will be on the university's mission of education and life-long learning as we award degrees to those who have successfully completed their curriculum requirements.
However, this morning we begin today's celebration by acknowledging our Catholic mission to do all we do in the context of our faith in God, recognizing that God is the source of the grace we have received as well as the source of the truth we seek, teach, and live.
We gather to praise God for these blessings and to seek liturgical nourishment and guidance as we continue to do God's work in our world. We gather to ask God's blessings on all those who have supported our graduates in their achievements: family, friends, faculty and staff—both living and deceased.
On behalf of the university, I thank Father Thomas J. Burke, Parochial Vicar of St. Paul Cathedral, and the Celebrant of our Liturgy this morning.
I also thank our sponsoring Sisters of Mercy for their gracious hospitality in hosting us in their chapel today, and for their continuing encouragement and support as Carlow University embraces their work of education and service. |
