Benediction

Most Reverend John W. Flesey, S.T.D., D.D., '64

God most loving Father,
We thank you for the gift of your son Jesus
And for sending us, through Him, your Holy Spirit
To be our Advocate and Guide

We praise and thank you
For the spiritual genius of Ignatius of Loyola
The fruit of whose prayer and service
Populates so many centers of our learning

We praise and thank you
For choosing Eugene Cornacchia
To be the next president of St. Peter’s College
Which lives fully in the Spirit of Ignatius

Bless and guide Dr. Cornacchia
As he leads this wonderful institution
Which I am so proud to call “my Alma Mater”

He and this college face many challenges
Including the challenge to keep pace
With the fastest learning curve,
Perhaps, in the history of the world

Lord, may your daughters and sons
Who study here learn well
The great disciplines of the sciences and the arts

But above all, may they be guided
By the leadership of Dr. Cornacchia and the faculty
To come to see that true wisdom
Puts learning at the service of love

Mary was filled with wisdom
May she be present here in this most wonderful place
On this most glorious day.

Amen.