The May 11 commencement ceremony for Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology was special for several reasons.
First, the seminary is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. It also was the final commencement with Father Mark Latcovich as president/rector of the seminary. In July, he will return to parish ministry as pastor of St. Ladislas Parish in Westlake and longtime seminary faculty member Father Andrew Turner – who also is director of field education at Saint Mary – will take over leadership of the seminary.
(See photo gallery above.)
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost, also a longtime faculty member, was commencement speaker at the first graduation ceremony since his episcopal ordination last August. Even more special, he was surprised to receive an honorary doctoral degree from the school -- only the second time in history for such a presentation.
The bishop noticed many of his family members in the pews as the faculty and graduates processed into Sacred Heart Chapel on the grounds of the Center for Pastoral Leadership for commencement, but didn’t understand why.
He delivered the commencement address and observed as Deacons David Chojnacki, Dominic Gideon, Fabian Han, Jeffrey Liptak, John Rovnak, Frederick Schlueter and Christopher Stein received master of divinity degrees. Master of Arts in theology degrees were awarded to the deacons and four others: Christina Connelly-Fischer, Deacon Ian Kelly, Brian Petro and Albert Vondra.
Bishop Woost remained seated as the program continued with Father Latcovich summarizing the numerous accomplishments of the person receiving the honorary degree. Suddenly, he realized they were talking about him.
“I was completely surprised,” he said, as Bishop Edward Malesic conferred on him the doctor of humane letters, honoris causa, as “a colleague distinguished by excellence, integrity, scholarship and service.” The presentation drew robust applause and a standing ovation from those in the chapel.
“Wow! I am so surprised and honored. I never had a clue,” Bishop Woost said after the ceremony. He admitted he was puzzled by his family’s presence but once he realized he was being honored, he understood.
Sister Mary Brendon Zajac, SND, registrar, assistant academic dean and professor of pastoral theology, was relieved that the secret remained intact. She was among those who worked behind the scenes to facilitate the honor.
In addition to honoring Bishop Woost, Father Latcovich was presented with a sketch of the seminary/Center for Pastoral Leadership in appreciation for his many years of service as a faculty member and administrator.
“A degree earned from Saint Mary Seminary is not merely an academic accomplishment,” Father Latcovich told the 2023 graduates. “You have engaged in a complex process that has included the spiritual, pastoral and human dimensions that have led you to discover Christ as the source and soul of our formative learning. Pass on the joy of the Jesus Christ in all that you do,” he added.
In his commencement address, Bishop Woost examined St. Thomas Aquinas’ prayer, “Adoro Te Devote,” (I devoutly adore you) which commonly is used as an adoration hymn, connecting it to the end of the academic year and degree conferral.
He pointed out that theology may seem spiritual and those pursuing academics may lament that because of their intellectual pursuits, they have little or no time to seek the presence of God.
“If theology becomes solely an intellectual, academic exercise, we run the risk of losing the connection with God’s people,” Bishop Woost said. And without the spirit, there is a risk of losing the soul. “Spiritual without the intellectual theology runs the risk of losing its way,” he added.
Mentioning several noted theological scholars, the bishop said there is an overlap and a relationship between the spiritual and intellectual sides of theology.
“Graduates, remember your life as academic theologians is not over. You’ll be called to preach to God’s people, to help them understand the mystery of God in their lives and that begins with prayer,” he said. “God is not removed from us, he is in us. Come to know the reality of who God is in our lives.”
Praying and encountering the presence of God makes seminary formation unique, he said, adding all are called to theologize, to encounter God’s presence, to reflect on it and then to communicate it to others so they recognize it in their lives.
“This is not an ending,” he told the graduates. “Your formation is only beginning. Now you bring it to the world of ministry.
Bishop Malesic echoed those sentiments when he told the graduates, “Who knows what God has in store for you? Never stop evangelizing. Live your theology and do the work of an evangelist. And may you always long to serve the Lord with gladness,” he said, referencing his episcopal motto. “You’re ready. You’ve proven yourselves capable.”
As the ceremony ended, Father Latcovich expressed his gratitude for his ministry at the seminary. For the past few years, the campus has been undergoing renovation, he said, pointing out that we – including the seminarians – “are always under renovation.” He said CS Lewis suggested thinking of ourselves as a living house. “God comes in to rebuild that house and starts knocking it around, but he’s building in you a palace that he plans to live in. May God always live in you.”