ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Brother Priests, Deacons, professed Religious,
Administrators and Educators, dear Scholars, Families and Friends,

“Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” These words of Saint Paul convey so clearly why we gather tonight. In this Eucharist we praise and thank God for the divine favors that have been bestowed upon each of us, particularly our honorees. You, dear friends, have cultivated, through personal effort, the intellectual gifts with which God has blessed you. I speak for all in the Archdiocese in offering congratulations.

The foundation and purpose of all education is a search for truth. Saint Augustine maintained that we desire truth more passionately than anything else. Each of us has an innate and irrepressible desire for ultimate and definitive truth.

Today, however, some people suggest that it is wrong to seek ultimate and definitive truth. They argue that such truth does not exist and, if it does, it is beyond reach. In place of truth, an idea is spread which gives value to everything, indiscriminately. According to this view, what is true or false, right or wrong is determined by the individual. There are no absolutes. This relativism leads to intellectual and moral confusion. It results in despair and loss of self respect.

In an address to youth during his recent visit to the United States, Pope Benedict encouraged young people to continue to pursue the truth. He made it clear, though, that truth is not simply a set of rules that impose themselves upon human beings. Truth is not merely a series of hypothetical propositions. Truth is a person, Jesus Himself, the Word made flesh. The search for truth is a discovery of the One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust. In seeking truth we come to live by faith because the pursuit of truth draws us to the acceptance of Christ.

Truth, ultimate and definitive truth, does exist. It is not remote or impossible to attain. The incarnation of the Word in the womb of Mary reveals this. When God, the infinite and definitive truth, becomes flesh in Jesus, human beings are given access to Truth Himself. We do not despair of the possibility of embracing the truth. We are people of hope, who have been embraced by the truth.

Students in our Catholic schools are fortunate that their quest for truth takes place within a religious atmosphere. Catholic schools are institutions which offer high quality academic instruction and Christian formation. Each day, students are offered a challenging curriculum. They hear and live the Gospel; learn to appreciate the teachings of the Church; acquire a deep understanding, reverence and love for the Liturgy; build community; pray and properly form their consciences; develop virtue and participate in Christian service. By relating academic study to faith, students come to see how Jesus illumines all of life.

The offer of truth that comes in Jesus calls for a response. During this month of May, we venerate our Blessed Mother Mary in a special way. Through the archangel Gabriel, she was invited to be the Mother of the Redeemer. By her faith-filled response, “May it be done to me according to your word,” she conceives the Eternal Word of God. Truth takes flesh within her very being. The special privilege that is hers, as Mother of God, is not something that she keeps to herself. She proceeds in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Mary experiences an urgency to proclaim, by her words and deeds, the greatness of the Lord.

Saint Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are God’s adopted sons and daughters. Like Mary, we are called to proclaim God’s greatness by word and action. Jesus is the light of the world. He is the light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and evil. Christ’s light beckons us to be guiding stars for others, walking Christ’s way of forgiveness, reconciliation, humility, joy and peace.

The call to communicate Christ to others is a privilege. The Blessed Mother, herself, testifies to the joy that she experiences in proclaiming the greatness of the Lord. Truly, nothing is more beautiful than to know Christ and to make him known to others as the one true Savior. The world needs to encounter Christ, the Incarnate Truth, to believe in Him, and to experience His love.

Dear scholars: your formation to be light for the world began at home. Your parents have been influential in your faith formation. Parents are the first educators. They teach primarily by the witness of their Christian lives and by their love for the faith. It is at home that the seeds of a personal relationship with Jesus are planted. The Catholic schools you attend have collaborated with your parents and guardians in raising and forming you to be the light of Christ for others.

The light of Christ continues to shine through you only if Jesus is within you. Mary was able to offer Jesus to the world because Jesus was first within her. Jesus becomes most present in us through the Eucharist. It is in the Eucharist that Jesus unites us to Himself and transforms us into his very likeness.

Dear young people: you already give praise to God by applying yourselves to studies, participating in school activities, and even more by your moral example and acts of charity. We look forward to the future when you will provide strong leadership for our Church and society. This will happen to the extent that you know and follow Jesus, who is eternal Truth.

Dear Parents: the Church asks you to encourage your children to follow the example of Mary by being open to God’s will. Trust in Jesus, and help your sons and daughters to accept their personal vocation in life with wisdom and freedom. The decision to follow Christ as a priest, religious sister or brother, can be deeply rewarding, as is the vocation of Christian married love.

Tonight we are thankful in many ways. I am particularly grateful to the parents who entrust the education and formation of their children to Catholic schools. I appreciate the support offered by the entire Catholic community. Their prayers and financial support enable Catholic schools to accomplish their mission. All who collaborate in the educational apostolate of the Archdiocese deserve special recognition. You give generously of yourselves to advance the teaching mission of the Church.

Again, I congratulate our honorees. We entrust you, dear young people to the loving intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. May you follow her example by proclaiming the greatness of the Lord and allowing the light of Christ to shine through your lives. Amen.