St. John's News

Founder’s Week 2008 drew to a close in traditional fashion as hundreds gathered in St. Thomas More Church on the Queens campus for the Vincentian Convocation. Reflecting this year’s theme of “Vincentians Beyond Borders”, the Convocation provided an opportunity for the St. John’s community to acknowledge a number of outstanding individuals who have embraced the challenge of extending their minds, hearts and hands to those in our society whose needs are indeed great.

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“At St. John’s University we proclaim very clearly that we truly believe in God and the value of service to each other” noted St. John’s University President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. “The foundation of our University is belief in God, belief in the Gospel and the service that flows from those beliefs.”

Convocation honorees and their awards included:

• Theresa C. Cantarella ’73NDC, ’77GEd Director, Office of Student Services at St. John’s University’s Staten Island campus, recipient of the Vincentian Mission Award
• Alice Sinclair, Senior Volunteer, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn, recipient of the President’s Medal
• Rev. John B. Freund, C.M., Director of International Internet Operations for the Congregation of the Mission, recipient of the International Medal
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, the Caritas Medal (accepted by Msgr. Kevin L. Sullivan, Executive Director)
• Anita Brennan, humanitarian and University benefactor, recipient of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal
• Ambassador Oscar de Rojas, Director of Financing for Development, United Nations, recipient of the St. Vincent de Paul Medal

Two honorary degrees were conferred during the Convocation. A Doctor of Human Letters was conferred upon author, lecturer and human rights advocate Immaculee Ilibagiza and a Doctor of Sacred Theology was conferred upon Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D., Bishop of Brooklyn. 

Bishop DiMarzio reminded everyone that although the honorees were a unique and diverse group, they were all linked by a commitment to serve humanity in their own individual ways. He remarked that it was particularly appropriate that they were being honored at St. John’s, a University founded upon and noted for its dedication to the service of others. “All of the honorees tonight reflect the Vincentian spirit that is such an important part of our lives.”

Father Harrington acknowledged the outpouring of respect and gratitude of the St. John’s University community for the commitment to service shown by each of the Convocation honorees, noting that “Tonight we all stand together, and we applaud.”

Founder’s Week was established at St. John’s University in 1995 and begins annually with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on January 25, the date celebrated by the Vincentian Community as the Founding of the Congregation of the Mission. On this date in 1617, St. Vincent de Paul preached the first mission in Folleville, France and recognized the need to evangelize the poor by serving both their spiritual and material needs.

The 2008 theme was selected to offer a deeper understanding of the Vincentian mission that serves as the foundation of St. John’s University. It served as a catalyst to remind us of the unity of humankind and our individual relationships with and dependence upon our sisters and brothers throughout the world.