On Saturday, 17 May, Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross, was privileged to give the commencement address at Holy Cross College at Notre Dame at the institution’s 58th Commencement Ceremony. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from the college.

In his commencement address, Br. Paul spoke to the students about the importance of maintaining gospel-oriented hope in the future in a world beset by a multitude of diverse challenges.

“As you look ahead to what awaits you, it is my wish that whatever you choose or do in life, you will find joy, peace, and fulfillment, because when you have attained these gifts, most likely you will become a hopeful person, which will ultimately benefit yourself and others,” said Br. Bednarczyk.

“Don’t be swayed by what is transient, for true hope is transcendent and can be found when you have internalized not only humanity’s eternal values, but the eternal values of your Christian faith—how much you loved your family and how much they loved you, the number of lives you have touched and who are better human beings because of knowing you, the pride that you will one day take in your children when they show you have raised them well, the self-satisfaction of knowing that you tried to live a good and meaningful life in the eyes of God. Believe me, this is what truly will be a great consolation to you when your hair is as grey as mine,” he continued.

The citation for Br. Bednarczyk's honorary doctorate, which was read by Provost Michael Griffin, highlighted Br. Bednarczyk’s contributions to the Church, especially in the area of vocation promotion, and his election as the first religious brother to serve as Superior General of a clerical religious institute. Special mention was made of the character of Br. Bednarczyk’s spiritual and administrative leadership.

“It is a tremendous privilege to have Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., as our commencement speaker,” said Dr. Marco Clark, President of Holy Cross College. “Following the example of Jesus, Brother Paul has spent his life in ministry working with zeal to make God known, loved, and served. Brother Paul is the embodiment of the virtues that we espouse at Holy Cross—a lifelong scholar, courageous citizen, virtuous leader, and hopeful disciple.”

This is the second honorary doctorate that Br. Bednarczyk has received during his tenure as Superior General of the Congregation. In 2024, his alma mater, Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts, awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree at its 73rd Commencement on 19 May.