California
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August 26, 2024
On Monday, Thomas Aquinas College, California, held its 54th annual Convocation, welcoming members of the Class of 2028. The formal start of the academic was marked by the usual the joy and excitement, as well as sorrow, as students mourned the loss of their would-be classmate John Kozak, who passed away only two days earlier.
“I would like to remind you, freshmen, that you just read and discussed C.S. Lewis’s ‘Learning in Wartime,’” said College President Dr. Paul J. O’Reilly in his address at the afternoon’s Matriculation ceremony. “It’s a poignant essay which argues for the value of persevering in one’s studies, even — or, perhaps, especially — during times of distress. In that steadfast spirit, we begin our academic year, as planned, at this Convocation. Please remember to keep John and the Kozak family in your prayers.”
Photos: Mass of the Holy Spirit
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The day began with faculty, staff, members of the Board of Governors, and students gathering in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel to entrust the new year into the hands of God. The Most Rev. Timothy Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, U.S.A., and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered the Mass of the Holy Spirit, joined at the altar by the College’s California chaplains. In his homily, His Excellency urged the freshmen to look for the potential in the upcoming year like an artist who sees a masterpiece in uncut marble. “Use your talents to create a masterpiece for God,” he said.
After Mass, all assembled in St. Cecelia Hall for Matriculation. Rev. Robert Marczewski, Head Chaplain of the California campus, opened the ceremony with the Prayer to the Holy Spirt, the same prayer that opens every class at Thomas Aquinas College. Dean Michael Letteney then introduced the freshmen to the faculty and Board members, after which Dr. Daniel Zoumaya — the newest member of the teaching faculty — made the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, committing to teach in obedience to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
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In addressing members of the Class of 2028, Dr. O’Reilly spoke of the importance of beginning well in the pursuit of wisdom and virtue, encouraging the freshmen to be humble and diligent in their studies. “If you want to be an elite athlete, you make sacrifices,” Dr. O’Reilly said. “The good we are proposing is much better than an Olympic medal. It’s a pearl of infinite price. It shouldn’t surprise you that you will have to make sacrifices. ... But if you make those sacrifices, if you put in the effort, if you restrain yourself from distractions, you will have earned a great good.”
The freshmen next came forward, one by one, to shake hands with Dr. O’Reilly and Archbishop Broglio, then sign their names into the registry of students, officially becoming students of Thomas Aquinas College. As Director of Admissions Jon Daly called each name, the auditorium filled with applause, not only from the freshmen themselves, but also from the upperclassmen who came to welcome the Class of 2028 as its members joined the student body.
After the last student signed his name, Archbishop Broglio offered some advice and encouragement to the Freshman Class. “Recognize your potential and also the importance of your contribution to learning, to society, and to our world,” he said. “There are no spare parts in the Body of Christ. ... Everyone is important; everyone has something to contribute. That’s how we build up the Church, and through that building, change society as a whole.”
At the close of the ceremony, Dr. O’Reilly took to the podium to declare the start of the 54th academic year for Thomas Aquinas College — after which the students erupted into a loud and sustained applause, then sang “Immaculate Mary” as all left the Auditorium, ready to begin the new year.
Please continue to keep John Kozak, his family, and all of the College’s students in your prayers.
