June 12, 2025 Brian Gill

Theological Graduation Ceremony Held at NCIT, Karachi

Karachi (Br. Arsalan Aslam): On 11th June 2025, the National Catholic Institute of Theology (NCIT) in Karachi hosted a solemn and joyous graduation ceremony to celebrate the completion of theological studies by the fourth-year students. A total of 27 students received their degrees—17 diocesan seminarians and 10 religious students—marking the successful conclusion of their academic formation in theology.

The event began with the Holy Mass at 5:00 PM, presided over by His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Archbishop of Archdiocese of Karachi. The liturgy was marked with reverence and thanksgiving, acknowledging the grace of God in guiding the students throughout their years of study.

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Archbishop Travas, in his homily, delivered a profound message of encouragement and mission. “Your real journey begins now,” he told the graduates, emphasizing the transition from academic life to pastoral ministry. He urged them to remain faithful to their vocation, to follow the commandments of Jesus Christ with sincerity, and to cultivate hearts filled with love, mercy, and purity. “Live with transparency,” he added, “so that you may be true and faithful disciples of Christ in today’s world.”

During the Eucharistic celebration, the Archbishop was assisted by Fr. Shahbaz Nazir, Dean of Studies; Fr. Akhtar Naveed, OP; Fr. Kamran Taj, Rector of Christ the King Seminary, Karachi; and Fr. Inayat Bernard.

Following the Mass, the graduation ceremony was held where the graduates were formally awarded their theological degrees. The ceremony was both dignified and uplifting, honoring the hard work, dedication, and spiritual growth of the students over the past four years.

Also Read: Open your heart, let the Spirit transform you, Pope Leo XIV

In addition to the graduating class, third-year students were also acknowledged for their academic work, particularly their theological thesis. Select students were honored with high distinction shields for their outstanding research and presentation, reflecting the intellectual and spiritual depth cultivated at NCIT.

The event concluded with words of gratitude from the faculty and staff, highlighting the importance of theological education in forming future leaders of the Catholic Church in Pakistan and beyond.

The celebration at NCIT served not only as a milestone for the graduates but also as a reminder to all present of the ongoing mission of the Church: to form disciples who will serve with humility, integrity, and love in the footsteps of Christ.