by Bridget Ruffing, ’22
On the afternoon of Friday, September 10th, the members of Thomas More College set aside their individual pursuits to come together as one body of scholars, eager to recognize and celebrate the beginning of the new school year. In preparation for the evening’s solemn Convocation ceremony, this body considered the life of its great patron and namesake during a two-part Traditio. Classes are suspended on Traditio days so that both faculty and students may take the morning to relax, read, and contemplate a classic work. Then all gather to discuss and uncover what they have learned from their reading. On this day, the work in question was The Life and Illustrious Martyrdom of Sir Thomas More by Thomas Stapleton. A panel of faculty members led the discussion, and each found something inspiring to bring to light from this account of the deeds of St. Thomas More.
This panel was comprised of Dr. Patrick Powers, Dean Denis Kitzinger, Professor Fred Fraser, and the College’s new Visiting Fellow, Dr. Michael Dominic Taylor. Their discussion centered around three prominent and pertinent topics: friendship, devotion, and education. Professor Fraser began the discussion by sharing his fascination with the copies of Thomas More’s letters to friends and family contained in the reading. He wondered at the abundance of superlatives and terms of endearment that burst at the seams of each of the saint’s missives. Professor Fraser confessed he was struck by the deep affection shared amongst Thomas More and his friends, concluding, “Love truly was a reality to them: they could talk about it as if it were a concrete thing.” Dean Kitzinger was struck by the devotion to God and to education that Thomas More exemplified. He noted how Thomas More “shows singularity and purpose” in the pursuit of his ultimate end: he applied himself with zeal and good will to his studies, not for their own sake, but for the sake of better forming his soul. These insights and many more sparked a lively question-and-answer session among the faculty that later opened up to questions and comments from the students. All came away from the Traditio with a clearer understanding of the life of the College’s patron and of the value of genuine friendship, well-ordered education, and a strong devotion to Christ.
Armed with a renewed respect for these values, the body of scholars had the opportunity to uphold them almost immediately. After a short break to enjoy the fresh air and early September sunshine, all gathered once more to make a short pilgrimage and declare their devotion to Our Lady. Following the Cross held high, the faculty and students sang “O Sanctissima” and “Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above” as they processed to the grotto. There, College chaplain Fr. John Healey waited to lead them in the prayer of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart. This act of consecration held deep significance for all present, since it formally acknowledged the successful reconstruction of the grotto which houses the College’s statue of Our Lady. Last year, a violent windstorm destroyed some of the stonework surrounding the statue, and for much of the fall and spring semesters, it remained in disrepair. Now Our Lady is once again sheltered, and all were able to joyfully renew their devotion to her as the golden evening sunlight slanted through the cover of the trees.
As the warm light gave way to the purple shades of dusk, the moment for the Convocation of the College arrived. Upperclassmen joined the faculty and board members, led by Dean Thompson and President Fahey, in welcoming the class of 2025 and formally declaring that the school year had begun. New students signed their names in the leather volume which keeps a record of each incoming class and received copies of the Thomas More prayer book from Dean Kitzinger. President Fahey and Dean Thompson gave speeches that encouraged all present to pursue both their studies and their faith with the same devotion that St. Thomas More exemplified by his life, and the ceremony closed on a student body inspired to continue into the school year with zeal and love.
As the dusk yielded entirely to the soft illumination of the moon and stars, the body of scholars had the chance to strengthen and revel in the gift of community. After each Convocation, it is traditional for students and faculty to leave behind their solemnity and enjoy refreshments, conversation, and laughter in a celebration fondly referred to as the “afterglow.” This Convocation was no exception: discussions of the day’s events, hopes for the new school year, and everything in between ascended into the starlight as the members of Thomas More College followed in the footsteps of their patron by nurturing and celebrating the friendship they shared.
For further reading:
“Convocatum est”: College Convenes under the Patronage of St. Thomas More
