Rev. Father Maurice Agbaw-Ebai graduates from Boston College

In a typical Roman Catholic tradition, Boston College aka BC in the State of Massachusetts in the United States was the centre of a rallying crowd. BC is an independent village, with magnificent structures, shopping malls and medical units that cater for the needs of over 14,000 students. The atmosphere that marked the May 18^th 2015 ceremony was by every standard of measurement, highly academic and very and spiritual, as the entire laureates match pass to their various sitting positions in their academic attire. The presence of BC alumni, The President and the Dean of studies including Doctors and Professors added grandeur to the ceremony as all appeared in their academic robes. Among the graduates was Rev. Fr. Maurice Agbaw-Ebai, a priest from the Diocese of Mamfe who came to the end-of-course work after two years of intensive academic studies. Fr. Maurice remarked to Cameroon Concord that what was most unique about his experience at Boston College was that it was the first time in his academic career that he was engaged in a dual-degree program: a Master of Theology, issued by the United States government, and a Licentiate in Theology, issued by the Holy See. He wrote his thesis on: Joseph Ratzinger, The Word Became Love and Truth in the Church, a clear indication of his fondness for Pope Benedict XVI.

Asked how he felt about the graduation ceremony by Cameroon Concord US Bureau Chief, Father Maurice, who was visibly very happy, said he was grateful to God, who has been closer to him that he has been to himself, citing St. Augustine of Hippo. He also rendered immense thanks to Bishop Emeritus, Francis Lysinge, who sent him to Boston College. His thesis on Joseph Ratzinger is dedicated to Bishop Lysinge. Father Maurice also thanked his Bishop, Dr. Mgr. Andrew Nkea for the spiritual and moral support, and for his decision that he should do a doctorate degree in Dogmatic Theology. He thanked Bishop Andrew for the decision to send him to the University of Regensburg, Germany, as part of his doctoral research program, focused on The Question of God in the Theology of Joseph Ratzinger. He also thanked Bishop Andrew for creating the opportunity for him to meet Pope Benedict XVI this summer, in which he hopes to present a copy of his thesis to the Pope Emeritus. Finally, Father Maurice equally extended a big thank you to all those who have been very supportive of his stay in the United States, notably the pastor and parishioners of the Jesuit-run St. Ignatius parish, Boston, his immediate family members, the Stanton’s, his adopted family in the US, the members of the Cameroon Catholic Community of Boston, BIROCOL Exans of Massachusetts, the CWA of Boston, and all his friends and benefactors.