Neumann University
PCC Newsletter
As the staccato rhythm of the Kenyan drum echoed through the Schmidt Room of the Living and Learning Center I on Tuesday evening, May 12, members of the Anniversary graduating class gathered to celebrate with prayer, socialization and gratitude. The majority of the 15 pastoral counseling and seven spiritual formation/direction students gathered, many with spouses, other family and special friends and mentors. [The names of those completing their degree or certificate programs appear on page 8.]
A core part of the program, arranged by a committee of graduating students, centered on the ritual. As each person heard his/her name called, he/she walked to the front, dropped a small object, some token chosen by the person him/herself into a large bowl, and spoke of the meaning of the object in terms of his/her time working toward this day. Tokens included such diverse items as a sculpture of twin giraffes carved in Kenya, representing community formed in the years of study; a small figure of Ganesha, the elephant god of the Hindus, the god of every person, each of whose features comes together to speak of strengths needed; a feather from a Native American fire dance, a rite of passage engaged by one of those coming forward; a small china bell representing the call to serve and heal. The list continued as those coming to the front thanked the multitude of persons who had supported and encouraged them over the semesters. A very inspiring moment came with the song
for reflection. Written I N S ID E T H IS IS S U E : by Maura Corsini, Jackie’s daughter who Dyson St. Francis Awardee is working in the theater industry in CA, had Corsini Awarded for Service sent the music to her mom just days before . S. Redemptrix Chimutima RIP As the committee worked on the pro- Lecture Series Announced gram, using ideas such Alpha Omega Nu Elections as shoes, journey, walking on — out came AONu Survey Continued the song. The rest is history. (For song go to May/December Graduates
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