CLASS OF 2011 GRADUATION

JUNE 3, 2011

McLAUGHLIN THEATER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP

Religious presented Mr. Matt Houlihan

Being religious in modern society is not always easy.  Loving God sometimes comes at a social price.  Often, elements of our social climate put pressure on individuals to mask their relationship with God.  I know not why this is the case, it is simply how society has gone over the past few generations. 

However, among us are individuals who shed that cloak that is thrust upon them.  There are among us individuals who simply love God, and can’t help but show it.  There are some who stand up and preach the Word.  There are some who rigorously attend services and worship week in and week out.  There are even some who get on loudspeakers and announce their love of God in the park.

Yet, there are some among us who do not love God out loud every day.  There are some among us who instead walk in the footsteps.  There are some among us who never have to tell anyone what they believe.  These individuals just do.  They just are.  They just choose.  Continually, habitually, and obviously, they are individuals who love God.  Their actions scream their faith at the top of their lungs, so their mouth never has to.

I am reminded of a saying I heard from a wonderful colleague of mine: the Truth is the Truth for a reason.  Some of us behave in such a manner that no words are needed.  It is clear what will lead to the Truth, and what will not.  We are lucky enough to have one of these individuals among us here on the stage this evening: someone who acts what most of us can only hope to speak. 

In study hall, he used to try to convince me of the following proclamation: “Mr. Houlihan, you know who I be.”  Well, yes, Lorenzo.  I do know who you are.  You are the recipient of this year’s grad-at-grad award for being Religious.  Congratulations, Lorenzo.