By ZACHARY SMITH
FRONT ROYAL, Va. — Christendom College celebrated commencement weekend on May 11-13, awarding 110 bachelor of arts degrees and honoring Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Clarence Thomas and Episcopal Vicar for Clergy of the Diocese of Arlington Fr. Paul Scalia.
Justice Thomas was awarded the college’s Pro Deo et Patria Award and delivered the commencement address on Saturday, May 12. Fr. Scalia celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass on May 11 and was awarded the college’s St. Thomas More Medal.
Justice Thomas spent all of May 12 with the graduates, processing across campus to commencement with them and taking the time to shake each of their hands as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. During his commencement address, Justice Thomas congratulated the graduates on their milestone in Catholic formation and encouraged them to continue to grow in their Catholic faith as they go out into the world.
“This is a decidedly Catholic college, and I am decidedly and unapologetically Catholic. It is this faith that has been the guiding beacon during some difficult and seemingly hopeless times, even when I had turned my heart against Him and turned my back on [faith]. I have no doubt that this faith will do the same for each of you if you let it, and perhaps even if you don’t. It is not a tether. Rather, it is a guide — the way, the truth, and the life,” said Justice Thomas.
“I congratulate each of you on this milestone in your Catholic formation. May God continue to bless and guide each of you throughout your lives and I pray that you know love and serve Him in this life, so that you can be happy with Him in the next.”
Fr. Scalia, the son of late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who was awarded the college’s St. Thomas More Medal for Defense of the Faith and Holy Mother Church on May 11, spoke on fear of the Lord during his remarks at the Baccalaureate Mass, relating that fear to the spirit that should fill every graduate upon such an occasion.
“Reverence, or fear of the Lord, gives us a delight in the limits established by Almighty God,” said Fr. Scalia. “The dominant view of education in our culture is irreverence. Our society associates learning with breaking rules and blazing new trails. But, only fear of the Lord makes one truly receptive and therefore able to learn….
“My prayer, dear graduates, is that you depart here full of fear. Turn to the Lord and His Sacred Heart and ask for an increase in this fear and likewise an increase in His freedom and His joy.”
Founding faculty member Professor Raymund O’Herron, who retired this May after teaching theology and philosophy to thousands of students over the past 40 years, was deeply touched when the college bestowed an honorary doctorate in humane letters on him on Friday evening, May 11, and he received a long standing ovation from those who were present.
“Many have said, ‘What will Christendom College be like without Ray O’Herron?’ But I am wondering, ‘What will Ray O’Herron be like without Christendom College?’”
Closing the ceremonies on May 12, college president Dr. Timothy O’Donnell delivered his charge to the graduates.
“My challenge to you, this day: strong men and women of character. Be filled with the strength of faith, hope, and charity, armed with a love that is mature and responsible and reaches out to engage and try to transform this world of ours.
“Before you leave today, I beg you once again to embrace the spiritual legacy of your families and the good that you found there. Embrace the good that your Church has offered to you, and the good offered by your alma mater. Don’t lost that trust and don’t become discouraged, despite the weaknesses that we have,” said Dr. O’Donnell.
“Do that, and you will not only dare to be great, you will truly be great, as together, united in our hearts and prayers, we seek to restore all things in Christ.”
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