Commencement Speakers Stress Importance of Faith in Secular World

College graduations have come and gone. However, the message was clear to the graduates of Catholic universities as the world continues to change, and their faithful witness is needed. Three speakers shared the importance of that message during the college commencements in May.

Michael Knowles- Ave Maria University

Michael Knowles took time to speak to the graduates of Ave Maria University. The podcaster and author stresses the importance of their role in society.

“Align Your will with God’s,” Knowles encouraged the graduates. He goes on to remind them that the primary goal of education is to “cultivate your intellect and discipline your wills.” He continues to tell them that there is no difference between “what God wants for you and what you want for yourselves.”  

He tells them what they are supposed to do, and that is to “not change the world even if you tried.” Rather, their job is to “cooperate in God’s grace.”   

Watch his full address here

Bishop Robert Barron- Catholic University

The founder of Word on Fire took time to address the graduates of the Catholic University of America.  A graduate of the Class of 1982, it was a full circle moment for this media evangelist known for the Catholicism series and his many writings and sermons.

“Do not ignore this holy longing that resonates in your hearts!” The bishop urged the graduates. He stressed that secularist ideology that has worked its way into institutions is “poison to the soul”. He even stresses the reason why secularism is on the rise.

“Graduates, why are numbers measuring anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation spiking among your peers?” he asked. “There are many reasons we could give, but I would suggest the first among them is loss of contact with God and with the things of God.”

He urged them to make God” absolutely central to your life is to conform your life to love,” he said. “What you’ve received as a gift, give as a gift.”

Watch his full address here

 
Sister Deirdre Byrne- Benedictine College

Sister Deirdre Byrne addressed the graduates of Benedictine College in Kansas.

“Don’t just live. Live God’s plan.” Sister Deirdre stressed to the graduates. She laid out seven ideas for them to carry with them in life going forward and how to carry out God’s plan in their lives.

Some notable points were those of faith and life.

The first point she tackles is the importance of going to Mass. She tells that “God gives you 168 hours in a week. He asks for one back. The other hours are God’s gift to you. The one hour is your gift to God.”

Sister Deirdre encouraged them to give back two things, “Your education and your faith,” by serving others.

The graduates were encouraged to travel. When we experience other cultures, we “will realize how blessed you are and how generous we are as Americans.”

Watch her full speech here

To the Class of 2025, congratulations and God bless.