Mike Cremer: I am pleased and honored to be here tonight speaking with my fellow students, the faculty and staff of ILM, and our honored guests. Our ILM journey began on a Wednesday night three years ago in our first class, Encountering Christ with Sr. Pat Galli.

Each of us, led by the Holy Spirit, arrived at ILM by a different path; some told me they sought it out, a few shared they had to be convinced. At the time it felt exciting and a little intimidating; because I was nervous about praying “wrong.” Yet prayer was the perfect place to begin. Sister Pat gently opened for us new vistas of contemplation and inspiration. I personally feel blessed to have had Anne Grycz, Director Emerita of ILM, as my small prayer group facilitator.

And this was the pattern for all ILM classes: we started knowing perhaps a little of Christology, Old and New Testament scripture, ecclesiology, Canon Law, Vatican II. Even hermeneutics — though I am still not too sure what that is. All were taken by the hand and led by the best in the diocese, including priests, laity, deacons, Santa Clara University professors, and Bishop Cantú. We took photos of our class with each instructor as a reminder of all the wonderful people who challenged and guided us as we explored each new topic together.

Indeed, togetherness is a theme of the whole ILM. Our class built a community, a family really. Several classmates noted that the prayer groups with Sr. Pat, along with the Saturday prayer service planning groups, were the seeds from which our community grew. We prayed together, worked in small groups, chatted at break, gave feedback, and shared Saturday potlucks (thank you, Julie!). We are all saddened that some of our ILM family were not able to complete the journey with us, but we were delighted to welcome Steve and Cindy.

Looking back, I see that building community was an intentional part of ILM: a practicum in developing listening skills, nurturing compassion, exploring viewpoints, appreciating talents, gaining the confidence to trust ourselves and one another, growing as servant leaders.

And it seemed to me that just as we were getting immersed in the material, it was time to start a new subject. I could have spent weeks drinking deeply of each topic; but we only had time for a glass or two, a taste of many new things to study.

Now we have reached the end of our ILM journey. We walked this road together, discussing and debating all we have seen and heard. It is time to begin our new mission! We are being sent out like the seventy-two disciples. It may feel like we still have much to learn, and we do; and we carry, as it were, neither food nor money, no spare tunic. But we are not unprepared! ILM has given us a firm foundation in our faith. We have been taught skills and techniques to help us lead and to continue to learn. We have the Holy Spirit, and each other. It is enough.

On behalf of the English-speaking Class of 2025 I would like to say a sincere and loving “Thank you!” to all the faculty and staff, especially ILM Director Irma Alarcón de Rangel; ILM Coordinators Yosharany Moreno, Sarahi Rivera, and Margarita Proano; and Bishop Cantú for his enthusiastic support of this amazing program.

Finally, we would like to complete one last assignment for Fr. Joe Kim: [at this point the whole class recited John 3:16 from memory: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”] God bless you all. 

Claudia Campos: Good evening, Bishop, pastors, teachers, ILM staff, colleagues, family, and friends.

Today is a day of great joy and gratitude. We gather here not only to celebrate the end of this journey but primarily to give glory to God by recognizing the wonderful work He has done in our lives during these three years at ILM. He has sustained, guided, and transformed us; His love and mercy have accompanied us every step of the way.

From the first day we arrived at ILM, we were called by His grace to grow in the knowledge of His Word and to prepare to serve. It has not been an easy path, but He has been present through every challenge. In the nights of study, in the moments of doubt, in the moments when we thought we could go on, His grace always guided and strengthened us.

Today, as I look back on that first moment, I see that this was not something we achieved on our own, but something He accomplished within us. He has formed us not only with knowledge, but with experiences that have shaped our faith, enkindled our hearts, and prepared us to serve with humility and love.

Today I want to thank God, because in His infinite mercy He called us with a purpose for our lives. He has been our strength in weakness, our light in darkness, and our refuge in every moment. I want to thank our teachers, who have been God's instruments and have accompanied us through this process with patience and dedication. For transmitting to us knowledge and God's immense love. Thank you to the ILM staff, whose dedication has made this training space possible. Their work, often silent, has also been God's instrument for our formation.

Thank you to our family and friends for their love, support, and prayers. They are undoubtedly a reflection of God's love in our lives.

Thank you to my classmates, because together we have grown, learned, and shared the joy of serving God. We take away more than just training; We took away a fellowship in Christ that I hope will continue beyond this day.

Let me share with you an anecdote that happened to us in this generation. As you know, there is a snack calendar, and whenever it was our turn, we enthusiastically brought snacks—perhaps a little too enthusiastically. One Irma came into the classroom and explained it wasn't necessary to bring so much food because there were always a lot of leftovers.  Well, we took her comment very seriously, and the next time only two of our classmates brought anything.

What did we learn from this? Beyond being embarrassed, we understood that in a community, we all have a responsibility not to go to extremes but to be consistent in our service; responding with generosity, but also with balance and commitment. So, to current students who continue this path, persevere and trust in God's grace! Remember that even in the most unexpected moments, He is teaching us. Today we depart, but the mission has only just begun. Everything we have received is not for us to keep, but to share. The Lord sends us to be living witnesses of His love, to boldly proclaim the Good News, and to serve with humility.

Let us never forget that ministerial leadership is not about titles or knowledge, but about hearts willing to love, forgive, and build the Kingdom of God wherever He calls us. Let us move forward with the certainty that His grace is sufficient for us, and that He will continue to work in us beyond what we can imagine.

Thank God, Blessings!