How has Fr. O’Malley’s commencement address affected your life and speaks to you today?
5 responses to “Fr. O’Malley’s Commencement Address”
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During a recent silent retreat at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, I came across a quote that caught my attention and, ironically, speaks to Fr. O’Malley’s commencement address. The quote was – “Wisdom is Truth Lived.” As I reflected on his address, I realized my pursuit of wisdom as a young adult was a ticket to “enslavement”, mired in self-doubt, confusion, and conformity, rather than seeking “freedom” or choosing the road less traveled when the opportunity presented itself. For a period of time, I was lost, misguided and rudderless, but, over time, I learned that truth lies within one’s faith or convictions, coupled with the full understanding and acceptance that God is Truth. My life today is a culmination of many truths lived and wisdom its benefactor. This sense of “freedom” (free will) and the open invitation to choose the road less traveled continues to serve as a source of inertia, fulfillment, and gratification.
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Hey Greg, it’s your old classmate Harry Foley.
I wanted to drop you a note in reference to Fr. O’Malley’s Commencement address at our graduation all those years ago. I saw on the reunion website you had posted a personal reflection about the address, and I read what you said with interest.
My parents said they thought it was the finest commencement address they’d ever heard, and my Mom referenced it several times over the years after I had gotten a copy of it from the high school.
I actually had a few exchanges with Fr. O’Malley many years ago when I found myself at a point of spiritual reflection. This was probably 30 or 35 years ago, so it was in the form of handwritten letters rather than emails or texts. I was thrilled to have him so thoughtfully respond to me after I identified myself as a graduate that day in the audience as he delivered his address. I have a friend who is an alumnus of McQuaid Jesuit in Rochester, New York, and had Fr. O’Malley for a couple of classes. He taught most of his career at McQuaid and only died a couple of years ago.
Thanks for jogging the memory for me, Greg! -
Harry, I didn’t have the good fortune to converse with Fr. O’Malley but he certainly spoke to me. For most of my teenage years, I was a knucklehead. I was more interested in landing a disrespectful quip than accomplishing anything constructive. I would never compare myself to St. Paul but believe it or not I had my own sort of conversion that graduation night. His words, that decisions set you free, have been my mantra ever since, first in college, then in business and my personal life. I call them as I see them. I move forward. I don’t look back.
Thank you, Fr. O’Malley
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Hal Franke
February 27, 2026It’s been a number of years since I last read Fr. O’Malley’s Commencement address (I still have my copy from the day of our graduation), but as I reflected upon the contents of it while reading it again this morning, I realize, now at 67+ years of age that much of what he imparted to us somehow resonated with me throughout my life to this day. It would take me hours to detail my thoughts, but I choose to mention the one that may have struck me the most today, that being two of his particular comments about our freedom: “This search for freedom and fulfillment is hard and exhausting–and it lasts one’s whole lifetime. It’s sad how many avoid it.” Now that I am mostly retired, from practicing law as an attorney for forty+ years, who was absolutely immersed (ensnared?) in the grind of the practice, and now have the time to explore/think what life really should be about while on this earth, I am so much more thankful for the countless blessings that have been bestowed upon me in this life, realizing and firmly believing/accepting that : “Oh, my God! It was you all the time!” He was a wise man indeed, who certainly gave each of us a challenge to pursue. May all of us continue to do so throughout the remainder of our time here. Looking forward to catching up with so many of you! Have a great day!
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It gave me information who to call if I needed an exorcist performed
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