There are around 600 new graduates from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto. As stated by Isabel Capeloa Gil, president of UCP, “This moment is a milestone of change in your lives. This day marks the beginning of a different phase. It is a change towards new horizons”, she concludes. The president congratulated the new graduates and quoted the poet Amanda Gorman – “There is always light, if only we're brave to see it. If only we're brave to be it”. “My wish is for you to be light” stated Isabel Capeloa Gil.
Isabel Braga da Cruz, pro-rector of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, greeted the new graduates stating: “With what Católica gave you, do more, do better, do a lot better". She added, "I hope they take the values they cultivated here, the academic excellence, the commitment to the truth, the respect for others, and the desire to contribute to an increasingly fair and humane society”.
“May the doors chosen, be the doors of the common good”
Rodrigo Estima Ribeiro, from Faculty of Biotechnology, and Tomás Carvalho Guerra, from Porto Faculty of Law, represented the new graduates with speeches that highlighted their gratitude towards the Universidade Católica and the feeling of mission accomplished.
“Today, we leave as prepared professionals. We carry more than diplomas. We become part of a legacy”, stated Rodrigo Estima Ribeiro. “Show outside how the eyes of a student from the Universidade Católica can shine”, concluded Tomás Carvalho Guerra.
“May the doors chosen, be the doors of the common good”, expressed Manuel Linda, bishop of Porto. The bishop challenged the students to “create the common good collectively.”
During the ceremony, faculties and partner institutions merit awards were also given: Prémio Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Prémio Francisco Carvalho Guerra, Prémio Caixa Geral de Depósitos – Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Faculdade de Educação e Psicologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde e Enfermagem, Faculdade de Direito – Escola do Porto, Faculdade de Teologia - Bolsa D. Júlio Tavares Rebimbas, Prémio Fundação Amélia de Melo, Prémio S. Francisco de Assis and Prémio Comendador Arménio Miranda.
The blessing and diploma delivery ceremony, which took place on November 29th and 30th at Ilídio Pinho Auditorium, was a defining moment in the lives of all graduates and a very proud moment for Universidade Católica.
