Br. James Walters, C.S.C., Gives Benediction at 2022 Commencement
The campus minister for retreats and faith formation offered a prayer traditionally attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology.
Class of 2022, before we conclude, I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating each one of you on your graduation from Stonehill. The last few years have been challenging, to say the least…yet here you are, you have overcome the obstacles before you and earned your degree! We are all so proud of you!
My sisters and brothers, let us pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Almighty and ever-living God, Author of Life, and Source of all that is good; As we gather here today to celebrate the graduation of the class of 2022, we do so with the awareness that our world is a beautiful yet broken place. Whether it be caused by violence, oppression, hatred, or indifference; we hear the cry of the human family echo louder and louder each day.
We ask that you bless and protect these men and women as they are sent forth from Stonehill. With a mind and heart educated in equal measure, may they be instruments of peace and justice wherever they may find themselves.
Where there is hatred, may they bring love.
Where there is injury, may they bring pardon.
Where there is doubt, may they bring faith.
Where there is despair, may they bring hope.
Where there is darkness, may they bring light.
Where there is sadness, may they bring joy.
Above all, may these graduates depart from Stonehill as global citizens with the competence to see and the courage to act, so that together we may all work toward the creation of a more just and compassionate world.
We ask this all through the intercession of our Blessed Patroness and Alma Mater, Mary, Queen of the Summit.
Amen