By Denis Ekwerike – The 13th graduation ceremony at St Joseph’s Theological Institute (SJTI) in Cedara saw 15 students receive bachelor of arts degrees and higher and advanced certificates with first-class and distinction across the departments of theology, philosophy and development studies.
SJTI president Fr Dr Neil Frank attributed the high-level academic achievement at the institute to its multinational and multicultural composition, and personal attention. “We have smaller classes, therefore we can give personal help to students struggling and also challenge those who are more intellectually gifted with even more demanding work,” he said.
He said SJTI is also committed to promoting education in its community, with scholarships for four local young men.
Jennifer Anthoo Address
In the keynote address, lawyer Jennifer Anthoo of Pietermaritzburg urged the graduates to consider their achievement a deed for humanity.
“Your educational success must be able to bring joy and enlightenment to those you will minister to. It must not be a source of your own arrogance and attempts at demonstrating to ‘lesser mortals’ or ‘sinful mortals’ how they are in the wrong; how they stand judged and accused by your erudition,” she said.
“This education must be aimed at protecting those who need your protection, those who are frail, and those whose ways can be changed by their encounters with yourself,” Ms Anthoo said.
“Be humble and open to possibilities in your pastoral work and in all your endeavours. True humility is staying teachable, regardless of how much you already know. Seek that which is beneficial to humankind and avoid that which causes harm.”
Br Malusi Mazibuko
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of other graduating students, Br Malusi Mazibuko expressed the readiness of all of them to be good ambassadors for the institute.
The event was officially opened and closed by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, who is also the grand chancellor of St Joseph’s.
Present too were Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of Durban, and representatives from St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria and the University of KwaZulu- Natal.
The graduation featured music from the St Joseph’s choir and band.
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