To the Class of 2026
May 22, 2026
Dear Class of 2026,
Congratulations on your graduation from high school! I am sure you have waited a long time for this day to come, but perhaps for some of you, as the day neared, you wish it would have slowed down a bit. Nevertheless, you are graduates, you are alumni, and you will now go forth into the world, bringing with you all that you have learned and experienced here at SSPP. In our “Ecclesiology” class in the seminary, our professor said something about the role of the laity and the priest that really got me thinking. He said that the priest, at mass, sanctifies or blesses the people, but that it is the people who sanctifies and blesses the world. Something that I never really thought about. The laity, – the people, you and I – we reach people where the parish priest cannot, and in those places (schools, workplaces, etc.), by our baptism, we are called to bless them with our words, with our deeds, and with the way we live, hopefully allowing them to encounter Jesus through us. So, do not forget that, graduates, the people of the world are waiting for you to go and bless them. And truly, what a blessing you will be to them because I know what a blessing you have been to me.
At the Baccalaureate Luncheon, I do not think I was able to say everything that I wanted to or needed to say to you. There is at the same time so much to say, but really nothing more that needs to be said. Throughout these four years, I have addressed each of you at least once if not more “my son” or “my child” and for some reason some have associated it with the preface of being in trouble! But, that is not the case. I call you “my son” or “my child” because I truly believe that. The Lord led me here four years ago to take on the position of Campus Minister, and I pray I have been a good spiritual father to you. If I have lacked in any way, please know it was not intentional, and I apologize for that. The Gospel at the Baccalaureate Mass (John 17:11b-19) really took the words out of my mouth. That passage is part of Jesus’s high priestly prayer at the Last Supper. He was praying to the Father saying, “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them…” You, each one of you, truly are a gift to me from the Father. In fact, you have been one of the greatest gifts God has gifted to me.
When I first started here four years ago, I had in my mind that it would only be a one or two year gig, after which, with proper discernment, I would return to the seminary to get ordained and be assigned a parish. However, as the two years was coming to and end, I began to make excuses as to why I really cannot leave this school – “We have an almost new administration, it would be irresponsible of me to leave now,” “I should stay for another year – 3 is a good number, 3 for the Trinity.” Then after the third year, I had another excuse, “It’s a Jubilee Year in the Church, I really have to stay and walk with the school through this year.” But, I have come to realize the real reason, the underlying reason is that I wanted to see you – the sons and daughters that the Lord has gifted to me when I started here – graduate.
Throughout these past four years (or three or one) I watched you grow; from innocent children to now mature (maybe sometimes immature and not so innocent…) young men and women. I am incredibly proud of you all. Thank you for allowing me to walk this journey with you and for allowing me to be a small part of your life. You truly are special. There have been days when I really would rather not come into work, but when I think of you, I find myself thinking it might not be that bad of a day after all. Each time I go home to Philadelphia, towards the end of my time there, I almost every time find myself thinking, “I can’t wait for school tomorrow” because I know you will be there. I will cherish your smile, your occasional visits to my office even if it was to grab a handful of candy or ask for a snack, your laughter, and the joy you have brought to my heart. As I said at the luncheon, the greatest joy and love I have known in my life is the joy in knowing Jesus Christ, and YOU are the manifestation of this joy and love in my life. So, thank you so much for the kindness, the love, and joy you have given to me.
As you go forth into the world, “be who you are and be that well” (St. Francis de Sales). Be you, stay you, and never compromise who you are, who you have been called to be by God. Stay true to yourself and know that there is true peace in that, even when it is difficult or unpopular and when you find it so much easier doing otherwise. In a world that tells you to settle for pleasure, choose love. When the world encourages you to seek your own comfort, choose sacrifice. When the voices around you tempt you to sin, choose holiness. Always, always choose God, my sons and daughters. Because only in choosing God will you find what you truly desire – that love, that peace, that joy, that intimacy. Only in choosing God will your hearts be satisfied because you were created by God and for God. Surround yourself with people who encourages you, who challenges you, and who leads you to God. Learn to discern and to listen to the Voice of the Good Shepherd who calls you each by name. You were each created for a purpose and a calling that only you can fulfill. Never doubt your purpose or your meaning in this life. As the Lord says in the Gospels, “you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). You are precious in the eyes of God and you are that pearl of great price which Our Lord bought with the price of His own blood. And, you are my pearl of great price, my most treasured gift, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to spend these last four years with you. The time the Lord has allowed me to spend here has been priceless and invaluable. Remember, you are seen, you are known, and you are loved. I see you, I know you, and I love you.
When life gets difficult or when you find yourself drifting away from God, know that He is always there. Even if and when you choose to walk away from Him, He will always be patiently awaiting your return. “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). Nothing can keep God away from you. No matter how great the sin, how far the distance, or how deep the depth, the Lord will always come to you and remain with you. There is nothing that you can ever do or say that will stop the Lord from loving you. Believe that and remember that. If you ever need someone to talk with or need anything, you know how to find me. I am always here for you.
A word to your parents: thank you so much for sharing your son and your daughter with me. It has been the most tremendous privilege and honor. Words cannot express the gratitude for the trust you have placed in our faculty and in me in the care of your child. You have no idea of the joy and the hope your child has brought to me. Thank you.
I guess I should start my conclusion, as I am not sure if you made it this far! Graduates of the Class of 2026, my sons and daughters, I hope you always remember your belovedness in the Lord. You are made in God’s image, after His likeness, and He has put His spirit within you. You are loved, not because of what you have accomplished or will accomplish; God loves you simply because you are you. I will be eternally grateful for the love you have shown to me, and know that you remain always in my prayers and thoughts as you will always be my sons and my daughters.
As I said at the closing of my speech at the Baccalaureate luncheon, know that you are an indispensable part of God’s story of salvation. (You matter!) Without you, God’s story of love would be incomplete. Without you, SSPP’s story would be incomplete. Without you, my story would be incomplete. I hope you will let me know how you are doing from time to time. And, I hope I will even see some of you in the future. However, should it be the Lord’s will that we never meet again, know that I will be with you in prayer and in spirit. Go and make us proud as I know you will! With all my love and gratitude, I remain,
Sincerely, yours in Christ,
Mr. Cheung
P.S. Please pardon any grammatical errors or mistakes as I did not proofread this letter!
