Holy Cross Awards Degrees to 733 Graduates at 179th Commencement

Recent events and reflections highlight the ongoing influence of Jesuit values and Catholic teaching on education, ecological justice, and mission work worldwide. At Holy Cross's 179th commencement, graduates expressed how the Jesuit mission of serving others and fostering community shaped their academic and personal growth. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of apostolic zeal for Church renewal during his audience with the Pontifical Mission Societies, underscoring their role in supporting global evangelization and social justice initiatives. At an international conference on ecological debt in Rio de Janeiro, Pope Leo urged universities to build bridges for ecological and social justice, linking this work to ongoing climate efforts and Pope Francis's call to address both public and ecological debts. Inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical "Laudato Si'," individuals and institutions are embracing new ways of caring for the environment as acts of faith and discipleship, reflecting a broader call for creative and radical love for creation. These diverse perspectives collectively illustrate a commitment to integrating faith, education, social justice, and ecological responsibility in response to contemporary challenges.