2010 Commencement Mass and Annointing of Graduates Hands
University Commencement Mass and Anointing of Graduate's Hands
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 12:45 pm
"Administration Building Tent"
Valhalla CampusCome celebrate with the
Class of 2010♦ School of Medicine
♦ Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences
♦ School Of Public Health
Come and give thanks ...
Matthew A. Pravetz, O.F.M., Ph.D. ’88
Associate ProfessorDeacon Lawrence O'Toole
University Chaplain
Graduates, families, friends, faculty and staff are invited.
Anointing of the Hands
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 immediately following Mass
"Administration Building Tent"
Valhalla Campus
The ritual of anointing the hands of the graduates is performed as part of the Commencement liturgy. The ancient custom of anointing with holy oils symbolizes a strengthening at the beginning of a journey and a fortification for assuming new responsibilities.
During the ceremony, the graduates have their hands anointed to signify the influence and importance their hands will have in their chosen professions. Students from all three schools participate as family, friends and faculty look on during the ceremonial mass.
The ritual is performed by Deacon Lawrence O’Toole, university chaplain, with the help of Matthew A. Pravetz, O.F.M., Ph.D. ’88, associate professor of cell biology and anatomy.
