IPS

IPS Celebrates its Ninth Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement

On Tuesday, May 25, 2010, IPS held its ninth baccalaureate Mass and commencement exercises at the Crypt Chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Twenty-one students were conferred the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology Degree  and two students were awarded the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Degree.  In addition, one master’s candidate also received an M.S.-Plus Practica Certificate.

The afternoon began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with principal celebrant IPS President, Fr. Charles Sikorsky, LC, JD, JCL, and concelebrants Fr. Romanus Cessario, OP, and IPS Chaplain Fr. Steven Reilly, LC. In his homily Fr. Sikorsky told students  they were being called to work  in the Lord’s vineyard, offering hope and healing to a culture in need.

Following Mass, degree candidates and faculty members changed into their caps and gowns and processed back into the chapel.  Accompanying Fr. Charles Sikorsky was guest speaker and recipient of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters Fr. Romanus Cessario, OP. 

In his address, Fr. Cessario, noted author, professor and senior editor of the monthly worship aid Magnificat, gave an impassioned address, citing the importance of IPS and its graduates.

“…today’s graduation resembles more the completion of a formation program than it does the everyday baccalaureate. You leave, it is true, the institution on the Potomac. You, at the same time, must remain attentive to the ongoing research that, God willing, will continue to flourish at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences. Read speech.

Graduates, guests and the IPS community attended a reception in Memorial Hall adjacent to the Crypt Chapel. This year’s baccalaureate Mass and commencement exercises mark the culmination of IPS’ 10-year anniversary festivities.