ILM is a beautiful journey. It offers a formation that comes to fruition in bringing its students to an even greater intimacy with our beloved Jesus. But it is also so much more. It's the community we have built; it is the priests and fellow Catholics we've met across our Diocese, and above all, the friendships we’ve formed. We have supported each other through loss, illness, marriage, and grandchildren. Our love for one another has only grown, and I pray that this continues long after ILM.

Today’s graduation marks the beginning of our formation. As we continue to learn how to rely ever more on our faith, we ask God to continue to purify us just as Jesus’ beloved Peter stated in his letter “so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Nabre 1 Pt 1:7).

When I look across the members of this class, I am emboldened by the spiritual growth I have witnessed. It is written in Ephesians (4:11-12): “And He gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and (others as) teachers to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building the body of Christ.” I pray that each of us will gratefully take up our role, as a gift given to us through God’s grace.

For we know, God’s gifts to us are not for us, but for the communities we serve. And that which He asks is not for our own glory, but for His. It is with maturity in our faith and determination that we advance with intention.

We have learned as leaders that it is incumbent upon us to heed the call to prayer, no matter how simple the task may be. To maintain honesty and integrity - knowing we are the hands and feet of God on earth. To walk alongside our future leaders, entrusting them with responsibility and lifting them toward their own greatness; not by commanding them, but by rolling up our sleeves and laboring side by side. This is the model Christ gave us, acting as the greatest servant of all. As we go forward, may we carry that same spirit into the continued flourishing of God's kingdom. 

One of our teachers Father Okafor, explained to us that – “your life, your actions, and works will serve as the Gospel in someone else’s life.” This is a profound statement that carries responsibility. As we lean into our individual callings, we are asked to be living examples of what Jesus taught us, each in our own unique way, as our life lessons have formed us. For we know God uses the things in us we may consider as our greatest weaknesses, for His greatest glory.

We must take seriously the call to heal the sick, feed the poor, clothe the unhoused, and visit the imprisoned. These are the very cornerstones of Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbor as ourselves, indicating how we are to live as Catholics on a practical level. Let us heed the warning of our late great Pope Francis to root out “the globalization of indifference” by serving those to whom we have been sent.

In closing, it has been my great honor to address you on behalf of the class of 2026 tonight, commemorating this beautiful journey. May our eyes always be open, descaled from apathy, to truly see the face of Jesus in every one of our brothers and sisters. May our actions always shine the light of Jesus on everyone we encounter. May our ears remain forever reverent as we listen for God’s voice. And may our hearts be open to the call of our Lord and Savior. Thank you and congratulations again!