"Class of 2013,
Today we celebrate your accomplishments of 10 years or so of faith-filled Catholic education as you graduate from OLF. Yet this is only the beginning of your journey through life.
Life is a song - sing it.
Life is a game - play it.
Life is a challenge - meet it.
Life is a dream - realize it.
Life is a sacrifice - offer it.
Life is love - enjoy it.
These are the words of a wise Indian leader named Sai Baba of Shirdi who lived in the 1900's. As globally responsible citizens, you will go into the world and learn about the beauty of all of God's creation in His peoples of all ethnicity and various faith, in nature and its great variety of dimensions and in the goodness of the human heart. Take what you have learned from your teachers and wrap it in the fabric of global awareness and service to humanity.
Dr. Maya Angelou, African-American author captured this beautifully when she said "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands, you need to be able to throw something back." As life-long learners, you will absorb much knowledge and be influenced by many opinions. Do not hesitate to throw something back at the world, ....your talent, ....your gifts, .....your mentorship to others. Share the knowledge, work collaboratively and show unexpectedly that you are a generation with more flexibility, more speed and more ingenuity than many before you!
As effective communicators, use your ability to capture your statement in many mediums, visually, digitally, athletically artistically, vocally, signed, and through spatial movement and dance. Words alone are no longer capturing your peers' attention anymore, and unless you are a leader in getting your message across respectfully, your thoughts will remain locked up unspoken. Innovation and creativity are best uncovered and explored. The Austrian born famous entrepreneur Peter Drucker, once said "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said". Don't forget that the most effective communicators are also effective listeners. Use your critical lens when you see stereotypes, speak up against racism and prejudice, quiet the lonely solo, so that you can hear the choirs' song and express yourself with every sense and ability God has blessed you with.
Class of 2013, for all faith-filled Catholics, "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe" As Saint Augustine reminds us that sometimes God's plan is not visible to us; Trust in the Lord, ...He will provide! Follow Jesus Christ,... He will teach you! Rely on the Holy Spirit ....He is with you 24/7/365. Class of 2013, on behalf of the faculty, staff and of myself,.....We love you!"
