Seventy-seven Graduates Called to "Lay Down Your Lives"

Four hundred guest—along with the entire seminary community in spirithonored the seventy-seven newest graduates of Sacred Heart at the Ninety-first Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises on Saturday, April 25. Most Rev. Allan H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit, was the main celebrant, with Sacred Heart's rector, Msgr. Todd Lajiness, as the homilist. The graduates earned certificates, diplomas, and degrees in fourteen academic programs, including fourteen students in the new Certificate in Catholic Theology, now in its second year.

In the spirit of the New Evangelization, Monsignor Lajiness encouraged the newest alumni to take what they have learned over the course of their studies and to "go forth" to give "authentic witness to Christ," even to the extent of having to "lay down your lives so that others may encounter Christ." The rector called the graduates to continual spiritual growth, saying "It is my hope that your years of study, contemplation, and formation have moved you closer to the Heart of Christ."

To mark the achievements of its honor graduates, the seminary held its annual Solemn Vespers and Awards Reception the evening before commencement, on Friday, April 24. Forty-one degree graduates received the honor chords they would wear on their caps at the graduation ceremony the following day. Gold honor cords are awarded to degree recipients who earn the academic honors of cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude. Seminarians graduating with a Master of Divinity degree earn a black and white cord, as do the Bachelor in Sacred Theology graduates.

Five undergraduates received Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges recognition: Perrin Atisha, Mary Giroux, Emily Martin, Kathleen Morasso, and Eric Seitz. The college faculty nominated the students based upon their academic prowess, service, and leadership. Fr. Timothy Laboe, dean of studies, presented Deacons Jos Haro Gomez and Timothy Wezner with the Edward Bovich Award for excellence in homiletics. The evening concluded with Monsignsor Lajiness recognizing those who will be ordained to the Sacrament of Holy Orders this year.

Congratulations to all of the graduates and best wishes in fulfilling your call to Christian ministry.