The 2021 graduating class of Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology received some advice at the May 7 commencement ceremony, which took place at SS. Robert and William Church in Euclid.
- Bishop Edward Malesic told the graduates not to stop theologizing, to continue putting theology into practice and to live their theology.
- Father Gerald Bednar, commencement speaker, encouraged them to employ holy resilience and perseverance – or develop it – while using the degrees they earned. He is retiring after teaching systematic theology at the seminary for 31 years and five years teaching theology at Borromeo Seminary.
In his introduction of Father Bednar, Father Mark Latcovich, Saint Mary’s president-rector, said he’s known him since their own seminary days, calling him “one of the best we’ve had for 31 years.”
Father Bednar congratulated those who earned master of divinity and master of arts in theology degrees and acknowledged their perseverance. He recommended that the graduates do three things:
Deal with a concrete reality.
Allow a greater meaning of faith to shape their actions.
Be resourceful.
He talked about how Joseph in the Old Testament and St. Joseph were examples of resilience. St. Joseph was on the move, taking the Holy Family to safety in Egypt and eventually returning to Nazareth. “He doesn’t just survive, he thrives with the help of providence.” He also mentioned that some of Jesus’ actions caused problems for St. Joseph, who demonstrated his holy resilience.
Resourceful or resilient people have a knack for making decisions. They can adapt and find joy in fitting into God’s creation regardless of the challenge, Father Bednar said. He recalled how during the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City Morgan Stanley had fewer casualties because of the company’s resilience. They developed a new evacuation strategy after a previous attack on the building and it helped.
“The Catholic Church is one of the most resilient institutions in the world,” Father Bednar told the graduates. Another example of resilience was Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Russian dissident, writer, philosopher, historian and former political prisoner. Father Bednar said Solzhenitsyn was imprisoned, released, lost his Russian citizenship and was expelled from the country. He lived freely in the United States for a time, but chose to return to Russia.
In an example closer to home, he shared how Father Latcovich faced an issue during an accreditation evaluation of the seminary/graduate school but through his resourcefulness, was able to resolve the situation successfully.
By using holy resilience, Father Bednar said the graduates could be successful and make something beautiful, noting it worked for others throughout history, including St. Joseph.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Malesic told the graduates that it “took a lot of work to make this happen (completing their degrees).” He said the family members, friends, fellow parishioners, teachers, formators, advisers and many others, including those who maintain the seminary and work in the offices had a hand in their success.
“You can be assured that all of these people prayed for you many times as you sat in class, studied at home, juggled other very important responsibilities and were formed in so many ways for ministry. Today they are witnessing the fruit of their prayers for you. And they are happy to see the smile on your faces. All of you are looking forward to continuing to serve the Church in ministry. Your degree should give you an added sense of accomplishment but remember that nothing is done apart from the gifts that God gave to you.”
The bishop reminded the graduates that only God knows what is in store for them. “Whatever God’s plan is for you, and wherever God leads you after today, I hope you enjoy every minute of it.”
He said the day after graduation, they will say they have a degree. “But, as I tell the young people that I confirm, this is more of a beginning than an ending. Oh, yes, it is the end of the work for this degree. But as a Christian, is the work of wondering about God, pondering God’s mysteries and serving God with love ever finished in this life?” he asked.
“So, don’t stop theologizing, continue to put theology into practice. Live your theology. In fact, bring God as God reveals himself to us, to those around you. Do the work of an evangelist,” he said, inviting the graduates to do as Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Those earning both a master of divinity and master of arts in theology degree were Alexander Clark, Chad Johnson, Cameron Popik, Alexander Spenik and James Winings.
Earning a master of arts in theology were Tonia Borsellino, Ryan Franzinger, Lindsay Fullerman, Raquel Guitierrez and Julie Tragon.