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Congratulations to the Classes of 2020/21

Virtual Graduation, Celebrating Real Achievements
Maryvale Institute Graduation Ceremony 2021

Online Graduation Ceremony 2021 Hosted from Maryvale Chapel

Graduation is a moment for celebration, to stop and reflect on our students’ academic achievements and recognise the hard work that they have put into their studies.

Therefore, we were delighted that, on 23 October 2021, we were able to hold a special Virtual Celebration for the classes of 2020 and 2021 with their peers and lecturers to honour and appreciate their achievements. Nearly 450 Maryvale graduates from all over the world were invited to participate in this unique event.

With academics participating from Maryvale Chapel, the ceremony was opened by Rt Rev David Evans (Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham), before the guest of honour, Most Rev John Wilson (Archbishop of Southwark) presented awards to the graduands, that ranged from Further Education Certificates in Catechesis, Healthcare Chaplaincy, Religious Studies and Marriage and Family, as well as Divinity and Philosophy degrees, to postgraduate MAs, Eccleciastical Licences and PhDs.

FE Programme Director, Dr Amanda Orchard

Foundation Degree in Youth Ministry and School Chaplaincy Director, Ausra Cane STL

BA (hons) Philosophy and the Catholic Tradition Director, Dcn Dr Harry Schnitker

Following the presentation, Apb Wilson congratulated the successful students for their hard work and emphasised the important role of Maryvale's mentors in the learning process:

“The success we celebrate with you today will have come through dedication and sacrifice, perhaps with some challenging moments, writing assignments while burning the midnight oil. Now you know that it was all worth it. Your effort has been recognised and rewarded. And in this, we acknowledge too, with gratitude, the contribution of your tutors and supporters at Maryvale without whom your programmes of study would not have been possible.”

Later in the speech, Archbishop Wilson encouraged the graduates to continue strengthening the Church through self-development and empowerment of Church communities:

“The Church invites you to continue growing as passionate and articulate advocates for Christ and His Gospel. The Church needs you to know and love the Scriptures and the Catechism. The Church’s ministry of evangelisation and catechesis depends on your ongoing formation as evangelisers and catechists.”

Full transcript of Abp Wilson’s full address.

Following the presentation of awards, four students had been nominated and received a special prize for their accomplishments in Catechesis, Research, Special Achievement and Theology.

  • Philip Walkling Award for Special Achievement: Brian Kearney
  • Canon John Redford Award for Academic Excellence in Theology: Anne Moriarty (2021), Alison Deighan (2020)
  • Kevin Preston Prize for Catechesis: Dcn Paul Rabvukwa
  • Edward Hulmes Prize for Research: Dr Dan Schneider

Ecclesiastical Bachelor of Divinity Director, Rev Dr Michael Cullinan

MA in Catholic Applied Theology Director, Dr Stephen Yates

Dean of Maryvale Institute, Research and Ecclesiastical Licence Director, Dr Birute Briliute

Could it be you?

Could it be you at the next awards ceremony? There are still opportunities to apply for a wide range of part-time, distance-learning courses beginning in January and beyond. For more information on courses enrolling at Maryvale, click here

Maryvale Alumni Association

Join the Maryvale Alumni Association and make a difference in our Institute and community! The group is free and open to all who have completed courses at Maryvale. To register please contact:


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