Christendom College celebrated its 47th commencement May 16, awarding 112 bachelor of arts degrees and two associate of arts degrees to the Class of 2026.
Anne Carroll, founder of Seton School, Seton Home Study, and wife of late Christendom College founder Warren Carroll, delivered this year’s commencement address and received an honorary doctorate of humane letters in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Catholic faith, culture and public life.
During her address, Carroll, who has shaped generations of students over her 50-year career in education, reflected on pivotal moments of crisis in church history. She spoke about the reign of King Henry VIII and the landmark Land o’ Lakes Statement of 1967 that directly led to Christendom’s founding. Through these stories, Carroll emphasized that while darkness has repeatedly emerged throughout history, hope has risen in response to it time and time again — proof that one man or one woman can make a difference for the better.
“During all the historical times when the church was beleaguered, ordinary people were keeping the faith, remaining faithful to the church when the wealthy and the powerful, the influencers, were going in the opposite direction,” said Carroll. “That faithfulness is a different kind of heroism, but in some ways even more important because it is possible for everyone. That is where you come in.”
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass May 15 and joined graduates for the graduation dinner. He encouraged the graduates to take all they have learned at Christendom out into the world, being courageous witnesses for the faith.
“Please know how proud I am of you. You earned this diploma from a college that excels in rigorous academics, and for you to receive a diploma from this college is a reflection of hard work, perseverance and sacrifice,” he said. “Wherever God sends you, it will take courage. You will meet opposition and rejection, but the Lord says do not be afraid. Go forth and be the courageous witnesses the Lord asks you to be.”
College President George A. Harne concluded the commencement ceremonies May 16 with his charge to the graduates. He urged them to take all they have learned at the college and share it with others, playing their part in the college’s mission to “restore all things in Christ.”
“My charge, graduating Class of 2026, is this,” said Harne. “Never forget what it means to be human, with all of its metaphysical and eternal implications. Never forget the gifts that you have received from your family and teachers and respond to them with grace and gratitude. And be courageous and heroic in communicating to others the transformative fruits of your own contemplation.”
