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Newman Guide schools honor Catholic leaders at 2026 commencements #Catholic Here are some of the distinguished individuals receiving honorary degrees at many of the Catholic institutions the Cardinal Newman Society recommends for their commitment to a faithful Catholic education. The Catholic University of AmericaThe Catholic University of America (CUA) will confer honorary degrees on three “notable individuals” at its May 16 commencement ceremony, including Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Dr. John Bruchalski, and Iqbal Z. Quadir.Brenninkmeyer is the founder and CEO of Walking with Purpose, a Catholic Bible study group for women and girls, while Bruchalski is the founder of Tepeyac OB-GYN and Quadir is a distinguished fellow at the CUA’s Busch School of Business “who has pioneered technology-based and for-profit entrepreneurship for the economic empowerment of low-income people,” according to a press release from the university.Monsignor James Patrick Shea, president of the University of Mary, will serve as commencement speaker.Thomas More College of Liberal ArtsThomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire will award former Wyoming Catholic College President Glenn Arbery, PhD, and his wife, Virginia, with honorary doctorates at its commencement ceremony May 16.“Thomas More College is glad to have old friends and teachers — Glenn and Virginia Arbery — returning,” Thomas More College President William Fahey said. “A community is healthy when it remembers and honors important moments and people of its history. The Arberys are well known and influential teachers and scholars at several institutions of higher learning, but our college was profoundly shaped and ennobled by their learning and generous hearts. We are glad to have them return for this most solemn and joyful of occasions.”University of MaryCatholic businessman and lawyer Timothy Busch received an honorary degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in addition to delivering the commencement address during the university’s April 25 commencement.The university also honored Dan Butler, chairman of the board of trustees at the University of Mary, as well as his wife, Heather Butler, who co-chaired the university’s 2030 Capital Campaign with U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, raising over 0 million for the university’s advancement, according to the university.Franciscan University of SteubenvilleBusch also served as commencement speaker for graduates of science and professional programs at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and received an honorary doctorate in humane letters during its May 9 commencement.Busch’s NAPA Institute co-founder, Father Robert Spitzer, SJ, also delivered a commencement address for graduates from the arts, humanities, and social scientists at the university. Spitzer received an honorary doctorate in catechetics and evangelization.University of DallasIn addition to delivering the school’s commencement address, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York, will receive an honorary degree of doctor of humane letters from the University of Dallas.“Cardinal Dolan is one of the Church’s most joyful and widely respected shepherds, and we are honored to welcome him to the University of Dallas,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford said in a press release. The university’s commencement ceremony will take place May 16.Benedictine CollegePeter Cancro, the founder and chairman of the popular sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters at Benedictine College’s May 16 commencement.Cancro, who is renowned for his charitable contributions to faith-based organizations, including a  million gift to Ave Maria School of Law, will also deliver the commencement address.Ave Maria UniversityFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis received an honorary degree from Ave Maria University during its May 9 commencement ceremony. “The faith does not depend on what is fashionable or who holds power. It is, in fact, the truth that ultimately will set you free,” DeSantis said during his speech, urging Ave Maria’s class of 2026 to put on “the full armor of God” as they go out into the world.Walsh UniversityEWTN “Real Life Catholic” host Chris Stefanick received an honorary doctorate of applied theology at Walsh University’s May 2 commencement ceremonies.“Your formation as men and women of character is the primary end of Catholic education,” Stefanik told graduates during his speech at the Ohio Catholic school. “The secondary end is the formation of useful citizens. Your greatest achievement will forever be marked not by what you do, but by what you do for others.” Walsh University also conferred an honorary doctorate of applied engineering upon Michael White, former principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Newman Guide schools honor Catholic leaders at 2026 commencements #Catholic Here are some of the distinguished individuals receiving honorary degrees at many of the Catholic institutions the Cardinal Newman Society recommends for their commitment to a faithful Catholic education. The Catholic University of AmericaThe Catholic University of America (CUA) will confer honorary degrees on three “notable individuals” at its May 16 commencement ceremony, including Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Dr. John Bruchalski, and Iqbal Z. Quadir.Brenninkmeyer is the founder and CEO of Walking with Purpose, a Catholic Bible study group for women and girls, while Bruchalski is the founder of Tepeyac OB-GYN and Quadir is a distinguished fellow at the CUA’s Busch School of Business “who has pioneered technology-based and for-profit entrepreneurship for the economic empowerment of low-income people,” according to a press release from the university.Monsignor James Patrick Shea, president of the University of Mary, will serve as commencement speaker.Thomas More College of Liberal ArtsThomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire will award former Wyoming Catholic College President Glenn Arbery, PhD, and his wife, Virginia, with honorary doctorates at its commencement ceremony May 16.“Thomas More College is glad to have old friends and teachers — Glenn and Virginia Arbery — returning,” Thomas More College President William Fahey said. “A community is healthy when it remembers and honors important moments and people of its history. The Arberys are well known and influential teachers and scholars at several institutions of higher learning, but our college was profoundly shaped and ennobled by their learning and generous hearts. We are glad to have them return for this most solemn and joyful of occasions.”University of MaryCatholic businessman and lawyer Timothy Busch received an honorary degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in addition to delivering the commencement address during the university’s April 25 commencement.The university also honored Dan Butler, chairman of the board of trustees at the University of Mary, as well as his wife, Heather Butler, who co-chaired the university’s 2030 Capital Campaign with U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, raising over $100 million for the university’s advancement, according to the university.Franciscan University of SteubenvilleBusch also served as commencement speaker for graduates of science and professional programs at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and received an honorary doctorate in humane letters during its May 9 commencement.Busch’s NAPA Institute co-founder, Father Robert Spitzer, SJ, also delivered a commencement address for graduates from the arts, humanities, and social scientists at the university. Spitzer received an honorary doctorate in catechetics and evangelization.University of DallasIn addition to delivering the school’s commencement address, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York, will receive an honorary degree of doctor of humane letters from the University of Dallas.“Cardinal Dolan is one of the Church’s most joyful and widely respected shepherds, and we are honored to welcome him to the University of Dallas,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford said in a press release. The university’s commencement ceremony will take place May 16.Benedictine CollegePeter Cancro, the founder and chairman of the popular sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters at Benedictine College’s May 16 commencement.Cancro, who is renowned for his charitable contributions to faith-based organizations, including a $5 million gift to Ave Maria School of Law, will also deliver the commencement address.Ave Maria UniversityFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis received an honorary degree from Ave Maria University during its May 9 commencement ceremony. “The faith does not depend on what is fashionable or who holds power. It is, in fact, the truth that ultimately will set you free,” DeSantis said during his speech, urging Ave Maria’s class of 2026 to put on “the full armor of God” as they go out into the world.Walsh UniversityEWTN “Real Life Catholic” host Chris Stefanick received an honorary doctorate of applied theology at Walsh University’s May 2 commencement ceremonies.“Your formation as men and women of character is the primary end of Catholic education,” Stefanik told graduates during his speech at the Ohio Catholic school. “The secondary end is the formation of useful citizens. Your greatest achievement will forever be marked not by what you do, but by what you do for others.” Walsh University also conferred an honorary doctorate of applied engineering upon Michael White, former principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

With graduation season underway, here is a roundup of individuals who will receive honorary degrees from Catholic colleges at commencement ceremonies across the country.

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Melkite priest finds consecrated host intact after 47 days in damaged church #Catholic Amid widespread destruction and amid the rubble in the southern Lebanese village of Tbenine, what some call a “miracle” in St. George Church offered renewed hope and reminded parishioners that Christ’s presence does not fade, even in war.Melkite Greek Catholic priest Father Marios Khairallah told ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, that he returned to the Lebanese town of Tbenine on April 17 following the ceasefire that had come into effect. Entering the church, surrounded by shattered glass, he found the consecrated bread exactly where he had left it weeks earlier — unchanged despite the absence of people for 47 days. He described the discovery as a confirmation of God’s enduring presence amid suffering.“After 47 days, there is no scientific explanation for why the bread did not spoil,” Khairallah said. “But for us, this is not strange, because we believe this is the body of Christ. This is our faith, it is neither new nor unfamiliar. We believe in God’s presence in the Eucharist.”
 
 A Melkite priest returned to his church damaged in an attack in southern Lebanon to find the Eucharistic bread unchanged after 47 days. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Marios Khairallah
 
 He said the story was a “message of hope for the parish,” adding: “It is true that there is destruction in Tbenine. But there is also an encounter with Jesus… Jesus waited for us for 47 days, without human presence.”Khairallah also noted that a statue of the Virgin Mary remained standing amid the devastation, describing her as “the mother who awaits her children.”Khairallah also spoke about the situation of residents, noting that the town is home to around 55 Melkite Catholic families who were forced to leave due to the war. After the ceasefire, some returned temporarily to retrieve clothes and belongings, while most are now staying with relatives, in rented apartments, schools, monasteries, or with friends.The priest pointed out that aid remains almost nonexistent so far, except for assistance that arrived through a papal mission, while some individuals have helped provide medication.
 
 Melkite Greek Catholic priest Father Marios Khairallah told ACI MENA that he found the Eucharistic bread intact after 47 days in the damaged parish. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Marios Khairallah
 
 He also praised the role of the apostolic nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, describing him as “a true shepherd and father who cares for everyone” and noting that “he does what no one else does, visiting us even under shelling.”As for the town itself, he said it suffers from an almost complete lack of basic necessities: no water, no electricity, and no internet, along with harsh cold that worsens the already difficult conditions. He explained that most of Tbenine’s residents are of limited means: retirees, teachers, soldiers, and farmers with no affluent class able to absorb the impact of the crisis. This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, and has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Melkite priest finds consecrated host intact after 47 days in damaged church #Catholic Amid widespread destruction and amid the rubble in the southern Lebanese village of Tbenine, what some call a “miracle” in St. George Church offered renewed hope and reminded parishioners that Christ’s presence does not fade, even in war.Melkite Greek Catholic priest Father Marios Khairallah told ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, that he returned to the Lebanese town of Tbenine on April 17 following the ceasefire that had come into effect. Entering the church, surrounded by shattered glass, he found the consecrated bread exactly where he had left it weeks earlier — unchanged despite the absence of people for 47 days. He described the discovery as a confirmation of God’s enduring presence amid suffering.“After 47 days, there is no scientific explanation for why the bread did not spoil,” Khairallah said. “But for us, this is not strange, because we believe this is the body of Christ. This is our faith, it is neither new nor unfamiliar. We believe in God’s presence in the Eucharist.” A Melkite priest returned to his church damaged in an attack in southern Lebanon to find the Eucharistic bread unchanged after 47 days. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Marios Khairallah He said the story was a “message of hope for the parish,” adding: “It is true that there is destruction in Tbenine. But there is also an encounter with Jesus… Jesus waited for us for 47 days, without human presence.”Khairallah also noted that a statue of the Virgin Mary remained standing amid the devastation, describing her as “the mother who awaits her children.”Khairallah also spoke about the situation of residents, noting that the town is home to around 55 Melkite Catholic families who were forced to leave due to the war. After the ceasefire, some returned temporarily to retrieve clothes and belongings, while most are now staying with relatives, in rented apartments, schools, monasteries, or with friends.The priest pointed out that aid remains almost nonexistent so far, except for assistance that arrived through a papal mission, while some individuals have helped provide medication. Melkite Greek Catholic priest Father Marios Khairallah told ACI MENA that he found the Eucharistic bread intact after 47 days in the damaged parish. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Marios Khairallah He also praised the role of the apostolic nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, describing him as “a true shepherd and father who cares for everyone” and noting that “he does what no one else does, visiting us even under shelling.”As for the town itself, he said it suffers from an almost complete lack of basic necessities: no water, no electricity, and no internet, along with harsh cold that worsens the already difficult conditions. He explained that most of Tbenine’s residents are of limited means: retirees, teachers, soldiers, and farmers with no affluent class able to absorb the impact of the crisis. This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, and has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

“Jesus was waiting for us,” a priest in southern Lebanon said after returning to his damaged church in the town of Tbenine following the ceasefire on April 17.

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Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Christopher Courtney assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six (EODMU-6), Det. 16 assists his team members during Special Purpose Insertion Extraction (SPIE) training from an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) shown below the helicopter was launched on this day 50 years ago.
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Picture of the day
Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Christopher Courtney assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six (EODMU-6), Det. 16 assists his team members during Special Purpose Insertion Extraction (SPIE) training from an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) shown below the helicopter was launched on this day 50 years ago.
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