The Pontifical John Paul II Institute honored its 2025 graduates at a Graduation Mass, celebrated on May 13 at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.
Bishop Donald Hying of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, celebrated the Mass. In his homily, he reflected on the significance of Our Lady of Fatima in the Institute’s history, as her feast day in 1981 was the original founding date intended for the Institute, until the assassination attempt on St. John Paul II on that date. Bishop Hying spoke about the importance of devotion to Our Lady and her care for families.
Following the hooding of the graduates, the graduation concluded with remarks by the Institute’s provost, Fr. Antonio López, F.S.C.B. (text available here).
The 2025 recipient of the Susan M. Shaughnessy Award, which honors an outstanding M.T.S. graduate, was Jenna Swords.
Graduating Class of 2025
For the Degree of Ph.D. in Theology
Daniel Anthony Drain
Toledo, Ohio
For the Degree of Licentiate in Sacred Theology
Rev. Blake Anderson Britton
Orlando, Florida
For the Degree of Master of Theological Studies
Alice Bloemer
Sterling, Massachusetts
Jenna Swords
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sr. Mariae Agnus Dei Yates, SV
East Wilton, Maine