St. Mary’s Seminary and University Commencement
Final Remarks and Prayer
Most Reverend William E. Lori
May 8, 2025
Who knew that when tonight’s commencement exercised were scheduled that it would be the day when the first pope to be born in United States would be elected.
Pope Leo XIV made history today. The pundits were not betting that the new pope would have been born in the U. S. Evidently, the Holy Spirit was betting on the one we have lately known as Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost.
It was an inspired choice. Our new Holy Father thoroughly understands the culture of our country yet he has a wider view of the world and of Church he now leads. He was Superior General of the Augustinian Order, a global missionary order, and so he has travelled the world, going to the peripheries as Pope Francis would say. As Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, he was a missionary bishop and in his appearance today he spoke with great affection of his former diocese. As Prefect for the Dicastery for Bishops, he knows bishops from all over the world and he knows the challenges and opportunities those churches are facing. Yes, there were many new cardinal-electors who didn’t know one another well, but they all seemed to know Cardinal Prevost and after prayer and reflection they gave him to us as our universal shepherd.
Yes, Pope Leo XIV made history today. But now it is your turn. Some of you will be returning to ministry renewed, refreshed, and re-equipped. Others will be taking next steps in your priestly formation. Still others are preparing for priestly ordination. What kind of history will you make? Perhaps just this. That wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be missionaries, you will bring with you the truth and love of Jesus Christ. That wherever you go and whatever you do, you will listen to the Lord so that you can listen to others and walk with them towards the Kingdom of God.
St. Mary’s Seminary and University has prepared you well for this. And it has doing just that since its founding in 1791, the nation’s “Premier Seminary” in the nation’s “Premier See.” With you I am grateful to Father Brown, President Rector of St. Mary’s, to the Provincial, Father Moore, to the dedicated priests of San Sulpice, to the faculty, administrators, and board members . . . all of whom sustain this excellent place of prayer, learning, and service.
Congratulations to our graduating class of 2025!
Let us pray . . .
God, heavenly Father, we give you thanks as we celebrate the election of a new Shepherd for the Roman Catholic Church and as we celebrate the achievements of these our graduates. In your goodness, bless Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Church, ignites its missionary fervor, he builds ties of understanding among believers, and speaks as a voice moral clarity and compassion.
Lord, bless these graduates and they embrace your will. Make them witnesses of your truth and love in the communities they serve and in the communities that they will serve. Form in them with ever greater depth the image of your Son who came, not to be served but to serve, to give his life as a ransom for many.
Bless as well their family members, friends, and colleagues – those gathered here and those who are with us in spirit. Reward them for their love and support of these graduates.
We ask you to bless St. Mary’s Seminary and University. Long may it continue to form priests after the mind and heart of Christ! Long may it contribute to ecumenical understanding and cooperation. Long may it educate and form ministers to serve you people.
All this we ask, through the loving intercession of Mary, Seat of Wisdom, through Christ our Lord!