Graduation Day 2008

144 graduates conferred by Cardinal Seán Brady

Saturday 8th November 2008 was a day of celebration for 144 graduates who were awarded their degrees and diplomas from the Pontifical University at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  

The day started with the Graduation Mass at 9.45 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Oratory which was thronged with graduands, their parents and families.  

Mass was followed by a reception in Renehan Hall, when many, soon to be alumni, met and laughed in groups, gathered their caps and gowns, and celebrated their achievement.  

The long lines finally made their way in the sunshine across Saint Mary’s Quadrangle to the College Chapel, as Professor Gerard Gillen played Bach’s Pièce d’Orgue on the organ and the graduands and faculty processed up the aisle.  The College Chapel Choir sang the Veni Creator Spiritus and set the tone for the importance of this most significant occasion.

The gracious ceremony in the newly restored College Chapel involved the Registrar and the Deans calling the graduands by name, and each in turn processed to receive their scroll from Cardinal Seán Brady, Chancellor of the Pontifical University, while the family members and the whole assembly applauded with palpable joy.  Degrees and diplomas were awarded in Divinity, Theology, Theology and Arts, Philosophy, Philosophy and Arts, Pastoral Studies, Pastoral Liturgy, Theological Studies and Christian Communication and Development.  The Cardinal addressed the assembly, pointing out the Biblical significance of 144 graduates, and following a final prayer, all processed from the Chapel to the strains of Dubois’ Grand Choeur.

In the perfect weather conditions, photographs were taken with the Cardinal and the faculty members who relished those special moments, and had the chance to meet the parents and families whose sacrifices made this day possible.

Lunch was served for all in Pugin Hall, before friends hugged and fought to avoid breaking apart. As the groups started to dissipate again, each alumnus left the College filled with memories of classes and friendships, and the metamorphosis that had occurred since they came in those same gates a few years before, much much younger.....

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