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Msgr. Arturo Bañuelas, Bishop Armando Ochoa, Dr. Cathy Zeph |
Loyola Institute for Ministry graduates in El Paso. |
El Paso Celebrates First Loyola Graduation
On Saturday, June 13th, the students, dressed in their academic gowns, were recognized at the 5:30 Vigil Mass at the St. Pius X Catholic Community Church. Afterwards, a celebratory evening of drinks, dinner, and live music with their families was enjoyed under the stars on the St. Pius X Placita. On Sunday, June 14th, the First Commencement of Tepeyac Institute – Loyola University graduates was held at St. Patrick Cathedral. Banners from both Tepeyac Institute (our sponsoring agency there, it is the diocesan institute for lay ministry) and Loyola University were carried in; all diocesan representatives, department heads, and graduates processed in with their academic regalia; songs were sung and readings proclaimed; and Bishop Armando X. Ochoa, D.D., gave a talk and presented each graduate with a Loyola diploma or certificate cover, a cross, and a towel, in recognition of their graduation and commitment to ministry for the diocese. Dr. Catherine P. Zeph, Ed.D., attended as a LIM representative and gave remarks to the graduates and their families and friends who had gathered. The cathedral was packed, and the highlight of the ceremony was a Guadelupe procession, complete with a live mariachi band, a surprise for the graduates! A reception followed in the cathedral hall, where a LIMEX alumni cake and treats were served.
The El Paso diocese had the most Loyola graduates this year of any of our extension sites, a fact that they took particular pride in. This ceremony was of extreme importance to the diocese, because there are no Catholic universities in the area, and it was an opportunity for them to celebrate the educational achievements of so many. To each of our El Paso graduates we say, “¡Felicidades!”