Theology College celebrates student achievers

This article has been republished from Melbourne Catholic.

On Thursday 8 June, Catholic Theological College celebrated its Annual Mass and Prize-Giving Ceremony at the Catholic Leadership Centre, East Melbourne.

The Mass, with presiding celebrant Archbishop Comensoli and other bishops and religious provincials affiliated with CTC, was part of the College’s 50th anniversary celebrations. At the end of Mass, this year’s graduates were recognised and academic prizes were awarded.

CTC academic faculty and official guests from the University of Divinity processed in academic regalia at the opening of the Mass, with liturgical music led by the Schola of Corpus Christi College and friends. The Student Representative Council gave the welcome and acknowledgment of country and presented gifts to the 2023 graduates.

During the Mass, homilist Fr Daniel Szewc OMI, a recent doctoral graduate of CTC, spoke of the significant contribution theological study makes to the mission of the Church and to the formation of Christian communities that could be an authentic ‘creative minority’ in society today.

CTC Master, Fr Kevin Lenehan, congratulated the 2023 graduates and academic prize-winners and thanked all members of the College community for their generous contribution. He also paid tribute to the founding Master of CTC, Professor Austin Cooper OMI, for fifty years of outstanding service to the College. Professor Cooper has been a leader of vision and wisdom and ‘truly a man of the church, of the university, and of genuine humanity’, Fr Lenehan said.

The Master also acknowledged another guest marking a milestone achievement. Professor Gerald O’Collins celebrates his 65th anniversary of ordination this year.