Bishop Otto Separy Calls on Graduates to Uphold Professionalism and Serve with Integrity at Divine Word University Graduation Ceremony

Wewak, Papua New Guinea – A total of 1

82 students from Divine Word University’s St Benedict’s Campus in Wewak graduated on November 21, marking a significant milestone in the institution's mission to foster skilled, ethical professionals dedicated to the development of Papua New Guinea.

The graduating cohort included 44 Bachelor of Education (Primary) students, 97 Diploma in Teaching (Primary) students, and 41 Diploma in General Nursing students. The ceremony, filled with celebration and pride, saw the graduates ready to embark on their professional journeys, prepared to serve their communities and the nation at large.

Keynote Address by Bishop Otto Separy

The keynote address was delivered by His Excellency, Most Reverend Bishop Otto Separy, Bishop of Bereina and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In his address, Bishop Separy imparted wisdom and a strong message of responsibility to the new graduates, urging them to embrace their roles with integrity, dedication, and a sense of purpose.

Bishop Separy began by reminding the graduates of the noble nature of their chosen fields. “You are entering professions that are essential to the very fabric of our society,” he said. “As teachers and nurses, you will shape the future of Papua New Guinea.

Your work will directly impact the lives of individuals, families, and communities.”

The Bishop further emphasized the importance of professionalism, urging the graduates to approach their responsibilities with pride, dignity, and commitment. “You are entrusted with the profound responsibility of educating the next generation and providing care to the sick and vulnerable,” he stated. “It is a duty that requires not just knowledge, but a deep sense of service to others.”

Reflecting on the broader implications of their roles, Bishop Separy also urged the graduates to serve with loyalty and integrity. “Your work should not be just a job, but a calling,” he noted. “As you enter the workforce, remember that you are not only professionals, but also role models. The example you set will inspire future generations to follow in your footsteps.”

The Bishop's message focused not only on academic achievement, but also on the moral and ethical standards that define true professionals. “Today’s celebration is not just about the degree you have earned, but about the preparation for integral human development—about becoming the kind of people who make a difference in the world, guided by compassion, respect, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others,” he said.

A Call to Serve the Nation

Bishop Separy’s speech was a powerful reminder that the graduates' success is not an end, but the beginning of their contribut

ion to the larger mission of national development. “You are now equipped to play your part in shaping a better future for our country,” he declared. “The work you will do, whether in classrooms or hospitals, will lay the foundation for the next generation of Papua New Guineans.”

The ceremony, held in the presence of faculty, family, and community members, concluded with celebrations of the graduates' hard work and achievements. The air was filled with excitement and optimism as the new graduates prepared to contribute their skills and expertise to the ongoing development of Papua New Guinea.

As they leave the university, these graduates are not just entering the workforce—they are stepping into roles that will allow them to become active participants in the transformation of their communities and the nation as a whole. The words of Bishop Separy serve as a powerful call to continue serving with excellence, integrity, and a strong sense of duty to the greater good.

Divine Word University’s St Benedict’s Campus graduation ceremony serves as a beacon of hope for the future, where education and healthcare professionals are prepared to take on the challenges of their respective fields with courage and commitment to nation-building.

Photos from Divine Word University Facebook Page - with Permission