University Preside John Garvey's speech at commencement was covered in Crux. The Catholic Standard covered CUA's 127th commencement, and its story was picked up by Catholic News Service and ran in other publications, including National Catholic Reporter. The commencement speech by Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan was posted by the National Catholic Register, the Federalist , ChurchPop , EpicPew , Patheos , the Kansas City Star , and CBS This Morning . The Washington Times ran an article about the event. See below.
From: Crux Date: May 25, 2016 Author: Kathryn Jean Lopez
... Perhaps repentance isn't the first thing you think of when you think of a college graduation. But at The Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C., it has become something of a commencement theme.
Two years ago, Philip Rivers, quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, talked about the importance of being in the state of grace - meaning, going to confession regularly. This year, university president John Garvey talked about the "neglected virtue" of repentance during commencement exercises.
Graduation happened Saturday on the same grounds that Pope Francis visited earlier this year, not long before he opened the Church's jubilee of mercy year.
Repentance, Garvey said, is "asking for it." If we can't give what we don't have, it is the starting point for mercy. Garvey called it "a virtue for sinners and stumblers ... maybe that's why we're so bad at it." ...
From: Catholic Standard Date: May 17, 2016 Author: Maureen Boyle
... True happiness exists in the love of faith, family and fresh guacamole, comedian Jim Gaffigan and his wife and writing partner, Jeannie, told more than 1,700 graduates of the Class of 2016 during the Catholic University of America's 127th annual commencement on May 14.
"Your studies here at Catholic University have enlightened your hearts and your minds and prepared you well for the challenges that lie ahead in your life, but it was your family that prepared you for Catholic University. Family is of the utmost importance," said Jeannie Gaffigan. "As you put your trust in God, things that seem impossible will become possible. The love you are given and the love you give will be the most important force driving you through life. Life is nothing without love."
Under clear blue skies in Washington, D.C., following a record-breaking streak of rainy days, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, CUA's chancellor, began the commencement exercises with an invocation prayer. The university's Board of Trustees, the CUA faculty and administration were also on hand for the graduation ceremony held on the east steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. ...
From: National Catholic Register Date: May 16, 2016 Author: Shaun McAfee
... On Saturday, May 14, thousands assembled at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC for the Catholic University of America's Commencement 2016 ceremony.
Comedy duo Jeannie and Jim Gaffigan were the asked by President John Garvey asked the couple months ago to be the speakers and the Catholic parents of five happily accepted.
"This couple has changed the face of comedy and the entertainment industry by putting the great adventure of marriage and family life on center stage. I have no doubt that our graduates will be inspired by the Gaffigans' commitment to their Catholic faith, which shapes both their personal and professional vocations," Catholic University President John Garvey said in a March 21 press release. ...