Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology granted 20 degrees – two doctor of ministry, three master of divinity and 15 master of arts (theology) – during its annual commencement ceremonies on May 9 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe.
Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar was the commencement speaker. He was introduced by Ursuline Sister Mary McCormick, academic dean and professor of systematic theology, who shared his biographical information.
(See photo gallery above.)
Bishop Bonnar, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Pittsburgh on July 23, 1988. Pope Francis appointed him the sixth bishop of Youngstown on Nov. 17, 2020, and he was installed on Jan. 12, 2021. The Diocese of Youngstown has an agreement with Saint Mary Seminary to educate and form its seminarians.
“It is such a pleasure to be here. This graduation class is representative of our Church,” Bishop Bonnar told those gathered in Sacred Heart Chapel for the commencement ceremony. Graduates included clergy, religious sisters, lay men and women and seminarians preparing for priestly ordination.
“I rejoice in the accomplishments of Deacon Kevin Bertleff and Deacon William Wainio,” he said, noting the two Youngstown seminarians who are scheduled for priestly ordination in June. “The Diocese of Youngstown is so blessed to have this special relationship with the Diocese of Cleveland.”
The bishop also noted that Jim Armour, one of the two doctor of divinity degree recipients, serves both the Cleveland and Youngstown dioceses in his role as director of mission for Bon Secours Mercy Health, which has hospitals in both dioceses. In addition, Garrett Guerrieri, who received a master of arts in theology degree, is a theology teacher and campus minister at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown.
He recalled the old TV show “Mission Impossible,” which featured a series of difficult, challenge-filled missions, each of which was explained in a brief tape that self-destructed.
“Before Jesus departed from this world, he gave a mission to his disciples to go, therefore, and make disciples of all men,” Bishop Bonnar said. This mission, and the word “go,” appear repeatedly in Scripture, he added, explaining, “This represents our Christian faith that is not mean to be stagnant.”
In that same vein, he said Pope Francis invites all to go out and spread the joy of the Gospel to all people. “No one is to be excluded.”
As the graduates go forward to embrace this mission, Bishop Bonnar offered them five pieces of advice:
- Be grateful.
- Be prayerful.
- Be hopeful.
- Be joyful.
- Be fruitful.
“God never asks us to do something without providing what we need. Graduates, you are equipped to go forth and make disciples of all nations. Strive to be the best you can be,” he said.
Father Andrew Turner, St. Mary’s president-rector, expressed his appreciation for the Cleveland and Youngstown bishops and for their leadership, as well as for the school’s board of directors, the faculty and staff who help keep the mission in focus. One board member, Tim Jakubisin, was recognized for serving two terms (eight years).
He also thanked Father Joseph Koopman, vice rector, Notre Dame Sister Mary Brendon Zajac, register, assistant academic dean and professor of pastoral theology, evangelization and catechesis, for their support.
“And graduates, thank you for entrusting your time with our seminary community. Know that as you go forth, we hold you in prayer,” Father Turner added. “I am so grateful for all who provide so much for us so that we are able to celebrate here tonight.”
Bishop Edward Malesic also offered some brief remarks, congratulating the graduates “for a job well done” and to Bishop Bonnar for his support. “We work together as a team, as Church. All of us are working according to God’s plan on earth, to bring forth a strong church and a kingdom of heaven.” He also thanked the families who supported the graduates, noting they made sacrifices for the Church along with the students.
He also offered some advice to the graduates, reminding them to smile more as they live their theology and do the work of evangelists. “Feel free to make my episcopal motto your own: Serve the Lord with gladness. May you all be a blessing to all.”
Earning a doctor of ministry degree were Armour and Father Anthony Marshall, administrator, Communion of Saints Church in Cleveland Heights.
Master of divinity degrees were awarded to Deacon Bertleff, Deacon Michael Garvin and Deacon Wainio.
Master of arts (theology) degrees were presented to Mercedarian Sister Katherine Allensworth, Deacon Bertleff, Deborah Bruening, Claudia Cabrera Aviles, Deacon Garvin, Nell Ginley, Elvis Grbac, Guerrieri, Bradley Jasko, Mercedarian Sister Grace Kupiszewski, Deborah Meeks, Michael PachecoCrookston, Mercedarian Sister Chelsea Parza, Giulio Romano and Deacon Wainio.