by Dave Wright, photos by David Sand
Normally robes make me nervous. Judges wear them. Church people wear them. And when you’re a guy that needs a lot of confessions and has gotten a traffic ticket or two, well, people that wear robes can make you nervous. But today was different. The people that wore robes at the Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy (PTS) graduation are nice people from far away places that attended years of school on weekends. What they did during the week I have no idea, but they manifested for themselves an opportunity to attend what I think is the best school on the planet. PTS was founded in 1977. In 1977 gas prices were high and people were talking about solar and wind power. Hmmm. Today, there were 22 Master of Spiritual Science graduates and 8 Doctor of Spiritual Science graduates. There were also 18 Masters graduates in Australia this year (so put another diploma on the ‘barby’). The Masters graduates didn’t have robes but they sure had smiles. I graduated from the Masters Program and I remember vividly the moment I got to go onstage to receive my diploma and John-Roger, John Morton and Liz Bixby were standing there looking at me. For a moment I was the center of the universe and I took it in. The graduates that received their degrees today got the same treatment and I can only hope they cherish that moment like I do. The Doctoral graduates wore the robes. Flowing colorful robes. Definitely not made from curtains like the ones in the Sound of Music. There are three colors on the robe. Blue for Philosophy. Scarlet for Sacred Theology. And Gold for Science. The cape is Gold for Spiritual and Green for Physical. A Doctorate in Spiritual Science. Well earned and well deserved. They also wore hats with a gold tassel that swung around when they walked or looked up fast. I’ve taken four years of the DSS classes and I can only tell you that I’m looking forward to the day when I’m wearing all that stuff. They’ll have to put my ego on ice to keep down the swelling. After the ceremony, John Morton spoke and mentioned that there might be parties to celebrate the significance of the occasion. He said the World could use more celebration and – I really like this part – more humor. He talked about exploring new ways to work things out and I know that the Masters and Doctoral classes have helped me in that way. Some of you that know me might be saying, ‘Yeah, right, Dave. You haven’t changed a bit.” And I’m okay with that. So, yeah, the Light was present at PTS Graduation. The Travelers were there physically. Family and friends gathered to acknowledge and celebrate. Even some family members that are also friends too. It happens sometimes. At the conclusion of John’s talk he said, “Baruch Bashan” and all this year's doctoral graduates, as well as the DSS faculty that came wearing their robes and hats, threw the hats high into the air – at John's request. I really think our efforts are making this world a better place and I’m honored to have been present to witness and support the achievements of our latest batch of graduates. To them I say" God Speed" and to you I say "God Bless!" Read more articles from MSIA's Conference of the Heartfelt Service, 2009
|
|
Traveler
Q&A |
On
the Road |
|
More
Current Features:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
