My Dear Friends in Christ,

Congratulations! Your graduation is a significant accomplishment, and the whole Church in the Diocese of Columbus rejoices with you. Your hard work has paid off. We are grateful for your parents, family members, teachers, administrators, coaches, and friends who have accompanied you on your journey and helped you to make the most of your God-given talents.

Most of you will complete Commencement exercises. But what does commencement mean? The word appears in the English language in the late 13th century and is from the Old French commencement, meaning “beginning or start.” In modern French, we use commencer. In the late 14th century, the English used the word to denote “entrance upon the privileges of a master or doctor in a university.” By 1850, Americans used the word to refer to a graduation ceremony. 

While it then may seem strange to have “commencement” exercises at the end of your education, it really is quite fitting. As you complete your studies, you begin a new phase in your life. Something new is on the horizon: a new field of study or new program for those going on to a new high school or university; a new career; or a new vocation for those considering priesthood or consecrated life.

Shortly after his election 10 years ago, Pope Francis began his Pontificate with three words: Journeying, Building and Professing. In brief, he said that “our life is a journey, and when we stop moving things go wrong. We always need to journey in the presence of the Lord, in the light of the Lord, seeking to live with blamelessness …” 

He continued: “Building. Building the Church. We speak of stones; stones are solid; but living stones, stones anointed by the Holy Spirit …” He further stated: “Thirdly, professing. We can walk as much as we want, we can build many things, but if we do not profess Jesus Christ things go wrong.”  

He concluded his address: “My prayer for all of us is that the Holy Spirit, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, will grant us the grace: to walk; to build; to profess Jesus crucified.” As one chapter of your life closes and something new begins or commences, this is my prayer for you as well.

As you graduate, I invite you also to reflect on the meaning of the word education. Educare in Latin means to lead or draw out. The late Pope Benedict XVI said: “Education is not and must never be considered something purely utilitarian. It is about forming the human person, equipping him or her to live life to the full – in short, it is about imparting wisdom.” (Benedict XVI, Address to Teachers and Religious, St. Mary’s University College, Twickenham, 17 September 2010)

To educate another is to help the person to be a better person: a conscious subject, free and responsible, open to the good, the true and beautiful; capable of entering into deep relationships with others -- of being with others and for others. I know that your parents, teachers, administrators, coaches and friends have tried to draw out the best in you, leading you to deeper knowledge of Wisdom and Truth. To educate means educating what is human in us, not only the mind but also the heart. True education involves developing a critical mind and a discerning heart. 

We have all tried to educate you to critically and freely embrace the path that leads to life, that satisfies your heart’s desire – which includes faith and community, which answer the needs of the human heart. In Latin, satisfacere and perficere (satisfaction and perfection) are synonymous. It is my hope that through authentic education, you may find happiness – satisfaction and perfection – in this life and the next. In the end, true happiness is found in God alone. May you be led to an authentic encounter with the Lord who is the source of Wisdom, Knowledge, Happiness and true Joy!

Offering you my heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes, I am


Sincerely yours in Christ

Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes

Bishop of Columbus