The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized on July 2, 2011 its graduation ceremony with nearly 1300 graduates from all its branches, under the name of “Class of Pope John Paul II”. The main speaker of the ceremony was H.E. Mgr. Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, in presence of Reverend Abbot Tannous Nehme, General Superior of the Lebanese Maronite Order, H.E. Mr. Gebran Bassil, Minister of Energy and Water Resources, H.E. Mr. Fayez Ghosn, Minister of Defense, represented by Colonel Wafiq Jaber, besides a large crowd of religious, political and military officials, the USEK Council Members and the graduates’ families.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, Fr. Hady Mahfouz, USEK President, quoted in his speech His Holiness Blessed Pope John Paul II when he met the Lebanese youth in 1997 and addressed them saying: “This is the time of moving onward. This is the time of options; not only on the practical level, but also in terms of existential choices, as part of religious and philosophical questions that trouble your minds”. Fr. Mahfouz pointed out as well the four pillars without which we become lost: first, to love Lebanon as John Paul II loved it; second, to work on self-upbringing and internal strength; third, to love life, and finally to be open on others regardless of their identity.

Following a musical interlude given by tenor Elia Francis, H.E. Mgr. Gabriele Caccia congratulated in his speech the Holy Spirit University and the Lebanese Maronite Order on their efficient contribution in upbringing a generation of Lebanese youth on the cultural, spiritual and humanitarian levels. He addressed the graduates saying: “Dear students, today your academic journey is crowned and you are ready to enter the world of business. Nevertheless, bear in mind that success in business only does not guarantee success in life. There are several dimensions which shall be taken into account”. Mgr. Caccia ended his speech saying “I congratulate your university and I wish it will keep on going forward throughout its journey towards excellence. I congratulate the Lebanese society as well for this human potential that is about to join it”.

Following the student’s address delivered by Chanel Fayad from the Department of Journalism and Communication, Fr. Mahfouz, along with the faculties’ deans, distributed the diplomas to the graduates.