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At 7pm on May 7th, the 46th Commencement Exercises took place at the St. Vincent Chapel on the Seminary Campus. Rev. Msgr. Pablo A. Navarro, Rector Emeritus of the seminary and Pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Miami, gave the commencement speech to the thirteen graduates while friends and family looked on with warm hearts and sincere pride.
“The challenge ahead of you, my friends . . . the challenge ahead for all of us, who through our common baptism, have become ambassadors of Christ, holy and beloved, is to clothe ourselves with a compassionate heart – the heart of Jesus,” said Msgr. Navarro. He went on to say, “Tonight, as we stand at the threshold of this entryway into the new adventure that awaits you . . . you have many hopes and dreams, perhaps some apprehensions and even trepidations. Take courage and rejoice. The Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Our Father has called you by name and loves you. Place your lives in His hands. He will take you and bless you beyond your wildest expectations!” Click here to read full text.
Following the Commencement speech, the degree of Master of Divinity was conferred upon the following students:
Rev. Mr. William P. Ganci, Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Tallahassee, Diocese of Pensacola/Tallahassee; Rev. Mr. Thomas R. Lafreniere, St. Joan of Arc, Boca Raton, Diocese of Palm Beach; Rev. Mr. Paul F. Lambert, Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Tallahassee, Diocese of Pensacola/Tallahassee; Rev. Mr. Luis R. Largaespada, Good Shepard Parish, Miami, Archdiocese of Miami; Rev. Mr. Carl J. Melchior, Jr. , Christ the King Parish, Tampa, Diocese of St. Petersburg and Rev. Mr. Vilaire Philius, St. Philip Benizi Parish, Belle Glade, Diocese of Orlando. Master of Arts Degree was also conferred on Deacons Ganci, Lafreniere, Lambert and Largaespada.
Master of Arts was also bestowed upon the following non-resident students:
Mr. Victor Lopez; Palm Beach; Mr. Peter Mazzella, West Palm Beach; Mr. Ramon Mendez, Miami; Mr. James Meyer, West Palm Beach; Mr. John Makdisi, Weston; Rev. Francisco J. Permuy, Miami; and Mr. John Wyns, Boca Raton
The ceremony continued with the Most Reverend Victor Galeone, Bishop of Saint Augustine, Chair of the Board of Trustees, giving the closing remarks. In his eloquence and wisdom, the Archbishop quoted Rock guitarist/singer/composer. Jimi Hendrix, “ When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” The graduates were then sent forth.
A reception in the campus refectory, with 250 plus friends, parents, faculty and staff followed the graduation ceremony.
“Please join with me in congratulating our Class of 2009 and pray that they may each provide many years of faithful service in ministry to the people of God,” said Monsignor Brennan.
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