New Joliet bishop to address Benedictine graduates

The Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon, who recently was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to succeed Bishop J. Peter Sartain as the bishop of the Joliet diocese, will address undergraduate graduates at Benedictine University’s 119th Commencement Convocation.

“We are honored that the Most Rev. Conlon will address our graduates,” said William J. Carroll, president of Benedictine University.

“When students arrive at Benedictine University, they are welcomed into the traditions, values and history of a university rooted in a Catholic and Benedictine heritage. As they prepare to embark upon the next great journey of their lives, it is fitting that they are charged with upholding those values and traditions by a bishop of the church.”

Conlon, 62, has served as bishop in Ohio for almost nine years. He was ordained in his native Cincinnati in 1977 and has spent most of his career there. He will be installed as bishop of the Diocese of Joliet by Chicago Cardinal Francis George on July 14 at St. Raymond’s Cathedral in Joliet.

Benedictine’s commencement ceremony is Sunday, May 13, at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, 5700 College Road, Lisle. Activities begin with a Mass at 7:45 a.m. at St. Procopius Abbey. The gates to the Sports Complex will open at 8:30 a.m.

Commencement ceremonies for associate and bachelor’s degree candidates will begin with a procession from Kindlon Hall at 9:45 a.m. The commencement convocation begins at 9:50 a.m. and should conclude by noon.

Commencement ceremonies for graduate and doctoral degree candidates will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Sports Complex.

Peter Sorensen, professor and director of the Ph.D. program in organization development at Benedictine University, will address the commencement ceremony for graduate and doctoral students.

Parking for commencement is available on the Benedictine University campus; across the street at Benet Academy, 2200 Maple Ave.; at Lisle High School, 1800 Short St.; and at 4951 Indiana Ave., off Burlington Avenue west of Yackley Avenue. Shuttle buses will transport guests between these lots and the Sports Complex between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For information about commencement ceremonies, visit ben.edu/commencement.