A large number of Kraemers and Jansens attended the University of Notre Dame’s graduation ceremonies this weekend for the class of 2024, which includes my youngest son, Daniel!!! A bit surreal to think that my youngest is now a college graduate! And what a weekend!

Some of the family attending an Italian dinner at the graduation
Yes, Daniel is a “little taller” than his parents 😀

The activities started with a wonderful mass with Cardinal Pierre in the Joyce Center — I never attended a mass with so many priests! 😁👍

Daniel even gave the invocation at one of the graduation ceremonies — here’s a one-minute clip:

Father John Jenkins, the President of Notre Dame, gave the commencement address. He is retiring as president after serving 19 years. His speech focused on challenging the students to avoid polarization, to take the time to listen and understand the views and perspectives of others. It reminded me of my daily repetition of the words of St. Francis: “Seek to understand before you are understood.”

The graduation ended with the band playing the school Alma Mater, “Notre Dame, Our Mother,” with the students swaying to the music. For those interested, here is a one-minute clip:

Here’s wishing you a wonderful week!

 

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