Graduation Day

Academic observation and exhortation of

Dr. D. John Romus, the Dean of Theology,

 Given on the occasion of Graduation Day Service

Dear Fr. Patrick Walsh SJ, the Rector, Dr. Vincent Anid, the Principal, honourable professors of the departments of Theology and Philosophy, and my dear students, a very warm welcome to each one of you to the Graduation Day Service of the academic year 2011-2012.

On behalf of the Rector, the Faculty, and students of this college, I extend a very cordial welcome to our Chief Guest, Most Rev. Salvadore Lobo, Bishop of Baruipur Diocese. He has kindly accepted our belated invitation and has come here to honour our graduates and to deliver the valediction. Welcome dear Bishop Lobo!

This year we have 30 graduates to receive the degree of Bachelor of Theology. They are from 13 dioceses and 4 religious congregations. We have assembled here to honour them for their best academic performances and completion of the studies, prerequisite to the ordination to pastoral leadership in the Church.

They are a vibrant team in intellectual pursuit, endowed with a rich variety of pastoral latents. Out of 30 students, 9 passed in the First Class with Distinction amounting to 30%; 14 obtained First Class, amounting to 47%; and 7 secured Second Class which makes up 23%. So, all passed with good academic performances. When I glanced through the 38- year- old theology department record of this college, I noticed that this batch of students has achieved the best academic accomplishment. On behalf of the faculty members of the Departments of Theology and Philosophy, I congratulate you, dear graduates, for your amazing results.

I am confident that this high ratio of intellectual achievement combined with spiritual pursuit cannot go in vain. Dear graduates, this achievement of yours would enhance your pastoral leadership, especially at a time when knowledge capital is the new global trend setter. No wonder, India is one of the front-line countries in wealth creation on account of the intellectual ability that this country has achieved which has been duly recognised by world nations.

Remember, knowledge is power that directs the society and moulds the civilizational heritage of humankind. Spirituality is wealth that enriches one’s personality and ennobles culture with enduring values. You are invested with these two talents for pastoral service.

Dear graduates, allow me to tell this assembly what I have observed in you during the past three-and-a-half years which, perhaps, enabled you to come out with brilliant results. It is your “inclusive team spirit” in your academic pursuit. I think, by this mind-set, you broke down linguistic and regional barriers and cared for each one, especially the weak and the timid among you. By integrating them in your study groups and caring for them, you empowered them. This spirituality of “inclusive team work” is of vital importance to pastoral life at a time when the order of the day – whether in the civil society, or in the political community or even in the ecclesial communities – seems to be conditioned by identity markings. May this quality of yours be the counter-cultural value that you carry with you wherever you go because this is the ethics of Christ!

A competent faculty that can discern the signs of the times and deliver the goods is the corner stone of an institution that is committed to academic excellence and to human formation. This is very well reflected in the performances of our graduates who have come out with flying colours. With profound gratitude, I congratulate our professors for their whole hearted service for the cause of this college.

Theological education seeks to work out a synthesis between faith and culture, and between faith and life. This involves not only to acquire theological knowledge but also to gain pastoral competence in the application of knowledge proactive to human situations in the light of the Gospel. And all this takes place in this century which is known as knowledge century. In this exciting world of knowledge, dear graduates, you are going to be pastoral leaders, always ready to give an answer to those who ask the reason of your faith and life-commitment.

On this memorable occasion, I, once again, congratulate you on your academic achievements and wish you all the best in your pastoral life. May God bless you!

       

Dr. D. John Romus

        Dean