Fr. John Riccardo Speaks to Graduating Class

"Typically at a graduation, someone not familiar with the university or the high school is invited to come and speak at "our house", whether in a gymnasium or a football stadium, auditorium, classroom, could be anywhere... and they come in and typically say what they have on their minds, to you the graduating class.  However, tonight is a little different.  Some one is still speaking to us, except we haven't invited Him to our house.  He has invited us to His.  We're in the Lord's house, and make no mistake... He has something He wants to say to you:  'You didn't choose me,  I chose you.  Every single one of you.'   In other words, you're here, you exist, you're alive... because He thought it was a good thing to make you, to bring you into being.  He has willed you into existence.  Just as Jesus said to the apostles and to every one of you tonight, by name... 'I chose you.'   There was a time when you were not, and then He chose for you to be.  And He did it with a plan.  He has a purpose for every single one of you, by name, tailor made... and He wants to show it to you.  His plan is that you will bear much fruit, whatever it might be.  Some of you will be teachers, some of you will be doctors, some of you will be lawyers, nurses, some of you will get married and have children.  He wants to reveal to you the plan.  God created you, as Jesus said in the Gospel, so that you might have joy.  Joy.  Be happy.  His desire for you is that you'll share in His own Joy."