John-Roger, John Morton, Peace Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Spiritual Science Faculty and Doctoral candidates opened our hearts as they marched into the Sheraton Universal Ballroom in full regalia for Graduation ceremonies. They proceeded up the Ballroom aisle to a joyous chorus singing “Not our name, Lord, but to Thy name glory be given.”
In his inimitable humor and style, Dr. Paul Kaye, DSS, welcomed us to this year’s ceremonies. He noted that this was the 13th year of the Masters and Doctorate classes, with over 1300 graduates having gone through life-changing experiences and inner transformations over the years.
The 22 Masters candidates were the first group to be presented with their diplomas and receive big hugs from Dr. John Morton, Spiritual Director of the Seminary, and from Dr. John-Roger, Founder and Spiritual Advisor. The many supporters, families and friends gave generous rounds of applause to the MSS Class of 2006.
Paul Kaye returned to the microphone, acknowledging the MSS facilitators for their work in the classes. Then he introduced Dr. Liz Bixby-Garver, Academic Dean for PTS, who described the doctoral robes, hoods, and tams, and the meaning of each.
The conferring of DSS degrees began with graduate Mike Feeney receiving his doctoral hood and diploma. Mike received the Doctoral degree despite that he is dealing with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and is confined to a wheelchair. Standing ovations for that gentleman, and the thrill on his face was priceless. Then, each of the DSS candidates knelt, one at a time, and received their doctoral hood from John Morton, followed by a diploma, a hug from John-Roger and rounds of applause. The doctoral graduates this year are: Mary Ellen Agolia, Stella Estevez, Lili Goodman Freitas, Elizabeth Fruman, Katherine Moyer, Brooke Pierce, Susan Shyne, Valerie Simons, Robbie Uniacke-O’Toole, etc. It never fails to amaze me how ancient rites and traditions such as graduations can still elicit a deep emotional response, connecting to the past, and building a foundation for our future.
Dr. Kaye then gave thanks to the facilitators, assistants and readers for the DSS classes, and a special thanks for a job well done to the volunteer facilitators who have been shepherding the DSS classes during the past years — Dr. Liz Bixby-Garver, Dr. Pauli Sanderson, Dr. Deborah Martinez, Dr. Rachael Jayne, and Dr. David Bransky (also Christine and Jim Lynch in absentia).
Next, John Morton was invited to speak, and his message was about honoring ourselves, regardless of institutional formalities or honor in the world. He remarked on the opportunity to be conscious of the divine state; and he urged the new graduates to go and have a healthy, wealthy, happy life, and to return in leadership. In a strong, loving, deep and timeless way, John prayed for a blessing for each of us and all of us, that we realize the paradise we have among us. Baruch Bashan (the blessings already are) was his last pronouncement.
Read more articles from MSIA’s Conference of Living Love 2006
