WASHINGTON, D.C. — Five Holy Name Province friars were among the 52 students who graduated from the Washington Theological Union as the school celebrated its 40th commencement on May 1 at Notre Dame Chapel of Trinity Washington University here.
Julian Jagudilla, OFM, Hugh Macsherry, OFM, and Stephen Mimnaugh, OFM, each received a master’s of divinity degree.Cidouane Joseph, OFM, received a master’s of arts in pastoral studies, and Lawrence Anderson, OFM, earned a graduate certificate in theological studies. Hugh and Stephen will be ordained to the priesthood May 16.
Fr. John Burkhard, OFM Conv., interim president, presided.
Provincial Vicar Dominic Monti, OFM, a member of the WTU faculty from 1979 to 2002, was the commencement speaker. His theme, “Co-Workers with God,” expressed the Biblical reading at the commencement, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13. Dominic discussed the continual effort demanded of ministers of the Church, using examples from WTU’s 40-year history.
Also participating in WTU’s graduation ceremony from HNP were Gregory Jakubowicz, OFM, chief operating officer; Russel Murray, OFM, who served as an academic vester; and Daniel Horan, OFM, who served as timpanist.
The Vincent Cushing Award
Catherine Melinsky Dante, a master’s of divinity graduate, received the Vincent Cushing Award for Student Service. The award is named for Vincent Cushing, OFM, president of WTU from 1975 to 1999. Provincial MinisterJohn O’Connor, OFM, is a member of WTU’s board of trustees.
Tony Mazurkiewicz, O. Carm., also an M.Div. graduate, was the James A. Coriden Valedictor, delivering an address reflecting on the collective experience of the graduating class and the challenges they encountered. The 1996 Yale University graduate received the Gerald Ford Scholar-Athlete Award as a student there. He made his final vows as a Carmelite in 2008.
Other WTU News
WTU President Fr. John Burkhard, OFM, Conv., announced last week that the Redemptorists will no longer send students to the Union.
In the April 24 issue of Pulse, WTU’s e-newsletter, Fr. John said: “As with so many religious orders today, declining numbers of men in theology have necessitated the decision by the Redemptorists to withdraw their students from the Union at the end of the current semester. We will miss these fine men whom we have come to know and cherish over the last 23 years. However, the Union is delighted to announce that Fathers James Wallace, C.Ss.R, and Kevin O’Neil, C.Ss.R., will continue to teach at the Union.” Both men teach homiletics.