Paradisiacal Pomp and Divine Circumstance: PTS Masters and Doctoral Graduation 2005

Click here to view the photo slideshow from the Masters and Doctoral Class Graduations at MSIA’s Conference 2005.

After dedicating themselves these past years to becoming spiritual scientists, 36 (of 51) Masters of Spiritual Science (MSS) students graduating this year and all 14 Doctor of Spiritual Science graduates (DSS) — our largest number of doctoral grads yet — received their diplomas at the annual Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy (PTS) Graduation Ceremonies on June 30, 2005.

Dan Kendrick, an in-home MSS Class Facilitator, called in the Light for the joyful group of graduates and their proud families, friends and many loving supporters.

Dr. Liz Bixby Garver, Academic Dean of PTS, noted that this past year we had 146 Master of Spiritual Science students and 231 Doctor of Spiritual Science students throughout the world. Liz explained that these programs are volunteer-run. All the classes are facilitated by devoted volunteers and supported by readers and assistants, former students and grads themselves, who graciously volunteer their time and love week after week, month after month, year after year to bring forward the next generations of PTS graduates. For Fall 2005, there will be 5 MSS Year One classes including one in Cali, Colombia, 2 MSS Year 2 classes, 4 MSS Year Three Classes, both Year 1 and Year 3 of the DSS program, and a Year 5 for DSS students and graduates entitled Advanced Ministerial Studies II. Check www.pts.org for a calendar of in-home classes near you.

Several MSS grads overflowed with gratitude about their wonderful experiences in the Masters program. One MSS grad shared that there is no way to measure the value of the learning that the MSS class brings to us as we do God’s work in this world. Another ecstatic MSS grad said, “My God! I did it. I didn’t plan it. Spirit brought me here!” Yet another MSS grad from years past shared that the MSS class remains one of the best experiences for applying the teachings of the Traveler to our ordinary lives on a daily basis. As far as the graduation experience, one floating MSS grad shared that receiving and giving a hug to Dr. John-Roger, Founder of Peace Theological Seminary and College of Philosophy, was like “walking into a cloud of loving.” How divine it was to cheer on NOW Productions’ very own Phil Danza as he walked across the stage in all his radiance and devotion to Spirit. Congratulations Phil and all the Masters grads!

Liz Bixby Garver then described to us the special meaning of the robe design that the doctoral grads wear. Each color was carefully chosen to represent a specific aspect of the DSS program — scarlet for sacred theology, blue for philosophy, gold cording for science, and three black stripes to symbolize the doctoral level. Because the focus of the PTS is on learning the lessons of the physical and spiritual worlds, the satiny green and gold on the graduate hood were chosen specifically to represent the physical and spiritual levels, respectively. All in all, the robes shone not only regal and elegant but truly divine.

It was quite a moment for this New Day Herald (NDH) reporter to get to see our loyal, devoted MSIA Webmaster and NDH web editor Deborah Martinez proudly accept her DSS diploma. Congratulations, Dr. Deborah! You are an inspiration to us all! Deborah shared this for our NDH readers about her experience as a DSS graduate, “You can do this too!” Her words reminded me of a passage in John 14:12: “He that believeth in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do.”

After all of our grads received their diplomas and were given heartfelt standing ovations, we were treated to a most touching and moving seminar from the Spiritual Director of PTS, Dr. John Morton. John started off by noting that graduation simply means, “What’s next?” John shared that being spiritual or being a spiritual scientist is to claim that we are still learning. We are still in process. And that when we recognize that about ourselves, we are in good territory.

I heard John share that he has attended more MSS and DSS classes than anyone as he has been traveling for years to make sure he visits each class at least once a year. John said he specializes in “showing up.” In John’s visits to the classes, he shared that he has heard lots and lots of questions. He explained that often his showing up involves being willing to say, “I don’t know,” and then being open to the consciousness that does know.

John closed the seminar by referring to Dr. Martin Luther King — about our discovering what’s coming to us when we climb to the top of the mountain and can see to the other side. I heard John offer that we are climbing for a day of peace, when everyone loves one another because that is who we are. That we will flourish in harmony and plentifulness because we want to be together, and that being together is heavenly, beautiful and everlasting.

Congratulations graduates! Blessings on our next steps in God’s everlasting love. May we all be walking clouds of loving all ways and in all ways.

Read more articles from MSIA’s Conference of Gratitude 2005