Loving and ever-faithful God,
You are the source of all wisdom.
In these commencement exercises, we do not just graduate, Lord, but we commence, we begin the deeper calling:
to turn degrees into action,
ambition into compassion,
titles into testimony,
and knowledge into service.
Thank You for the trials that taught us humility,
the friendships that taught us grace,
and the Ignatian fire that refuses to let us settle for simply what is,
but urges us to strive for the magis–the greater, the deeper, the more loving path.
Remind us, Lord:
we are not sent to conquer the world,
but to care for it;
Not to rise above others,
but to walk with them–especially the last, the least, and the lost.
So, let our learning bear fruit
not just in careers, but in conscience.
Let success never blind us
to the truth that we were formed
not only for what we can do,
but for who we are called to become.
And when the spotlight fades, the applause ends,
the medals tarnish and our diplomas turn sepia –
may our deepest consolation be this:
that we chose what truly matters,
we loved without counting the cost,
we served without seeking reward,
and we lived each day
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam –
for the greater glory of God.
Amen.
73rd Commencement Exercises: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16aSwXSwij/