Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s President-Rector, Board of Directors, and faculty invite you to join us for the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 25. We are excited that Msgr. Cuong M. Pham and Prof. Daniel O’Connor, MA ’13, will join us as our commencement speakers and honorary doctorate recipients.
Baccalaureate Mass begins at 10:30 am EDT
Sixty-Eighth Commencement begins at 1:00 pm EDT
Cromwell, Connecticut — Holy Apostles College and Seminary is proud to announce that Monsignor Cuong M. Pham, Diocese of Brooklyn, and Professor Daniel O’Connor, author and speaker, will deliver the commencement addresses at the Holy Apostles’ 68th Commencement Ceremony.
The commencement exercises will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Chapel on the Holy Apostles campus. Festivities will begin on Thursday evening with the Holy Apostles Gala held at Saint Clements Castle & Marina featuring special guest the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, and keynote addresses.
“Commencement is about both celebrating accomplishments and preparing graduates for their future mission in life,” said Fr. Peter Kucer, President-Rector of Holy Apostles. “In welcoming Monsignor Cuong M. Pham and Professor Daniel O’Connor, we present our graduates with two excellent witnesses—one rooted in pastoral and ecclesial service, the other in intellectual and lay apostolate—who together reflect the fullness of the Church. Their presence will challenge and encourage our students to live their vocations with fidelity, generosity, and hope.”
Holy Apostles will bestow a Doctorate of Sacred Theology, honoris causa, upon Msgr. Cuong M. Pham, in recognition of his notable contributions to the faith. Msgr. Pham is a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn whose ministry reflects devoted service to both the Universal Church and the local Church.
From July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2021, he was assigned to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, DC, where he served as one of the Secretaries for General Affairs, advancing the ecclesial mission of the Nunciature and assisting in matters concerning the Holy See’s relationship with the bishops and the Church in the United States.
From 2011 to 2019, Msgr. Pham served at the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts in Rome. The Council assists the Holy Father in matters of canon law. During those years, he contributed to significant legislative initiatives, promoted the study and faithful application of canon law worldwide and established the first authoritative website dedicated to Church legislation and canonical discipline.
On February 11, 2016, Pope Francis named him a Chaplain of His Holiness, an honor that enrolled him among the clergy of the Papal Household and conferred upon him the title Monsignor. Appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria on July 10, 2021, the parish stands as one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse communities in the Diocese.
Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Msgr. Pham came to New York with his family in 1990. He attended St. John’s University in Queens before entering the seminary in Douglaston and later Huntington, New York. He was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on June 2, 2001. Fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, and Vietnamese, with familiarity in Latin, French, and Chinese, Msgr. Pham continues to devote himself to fostering unity among cultures, strengthening parish life and encouraging vocations.
Holy Apostles will bestow a Doctorate of Philosophy, honoris causa, upon Professor Daniel O’Connor in recognition of his notable contributions to the faith.
Daniel O’Connor is a professor of Philosophy and Religion who teaches undergraduates at a State University of New York Community College. He is honored to have instructed thousands of students in courses on Philosophy, Existentialism, Religion, Mathematics, and Physics.
Originally an engineer for GE Global Research doing quantum beam research, he switched careers and helped to establish the John Bosco House—a transitional home for homeless young men—where he then served the residents as a live-in house father.
Professor O’Connor is an accomplished author and speaker. He is the author of several books, including Thy Will Be Done and Only Man Bears His Image. His most recent book, First Line of Defense, aims to inspire men in their Catholic faith and was co-authored with longtime EWTN host and US Grace Force host Doug Barry. It will be published by Ignatius Press in 2026. He also writes for his personal website and is a featured guest on popular Catholic podcasts.
Daniel has an undergraduate degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and obtained a Master of Arts in Theology from Holy Apostles College & Seminary in 2013. He has since completed several years of study towards his PhD in Philosophy. He met his wife, Regina, at Holy Apostles, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in 2013. They live in New York with their six children, Joseph, David, Mary, Luisa, John Paul, and Patrick.
Holy Apostles College and Seminary (www.holyapostles.edu) is a NECHE and ATS accredited college with a mission of preparing and educating seminarians, consecrated, and lay students for the New Evangelization through undergraduate and graduate programs. Students have access to faithfully Catholic, truly affordable, and fully online programs as well as residential religious programs in historic Cromwell, Connecticut. As a pioneer in online learning, Holy Apostles is one of the first theological schools to offer 100% online graduate programs. Alumni and faculty of the institution include internationally recognized leaders and experts in apologetics, philosophy, and theology.
On March 12, Holy Apostles welcomed a group of alumni priests, brothers, deacons and friends for a gathering with the Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, CT. Alumni from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Louisiana attended. It was a great opportunity for everyone to reconnect. The evening included a reception and dinner followed by exposition, benediction and night prayer.
Below are a few photos from the gathering. Photo credit to Jacqueline Marie Photography.
Alumnus Daniel Fitzpatrick serves as editor for Joie de Vivre and is hosting their second annual arts and culture festival May 15-16 at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, LA. The thematic focus this year is on visual art, and they welcome submissions of art in all media from artists around the country.
Deacon Matthew Newsome (Master of Theology, 2008, and current student in the Master of Sacred Scripture program) has published a book of reflections on the Mass entitled “Source & Summit: Rediscovering Worship in the Mystery of the Mass.” This book grew out of a series of retreat talks he has given to help ordinary Catholics understand the heavenly mysteries that take place upon the altars of their churches each time the Mass is offered, and the importance of our sacred duty to offer worship to the Almighty God. If you or someone you know has ever asked, “Why do we go to Mass, anyway? Why can’t we just worship God on our own?” this is the book to read.
Alumna Madonna Murphy, M.A. Theology 2010, has a book coming out this May 2026 with Scepter Publishers, “A Treasure for the Church: St. Josemaria on Marriage, Family and Education.” A Treasure for the Church brings together St. Josemaría’s personal, heartfelt answers to real-life questions posed during his catechetical gatherings in Spain (1972) and throughout Latin America (1974-1975). Drawn from his conversations with parents, educators, and youth, this book captures his timeless, practical advice for forming Christian character at home, in school, and in the world.
Student Jeff Plante has published his newest book, “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: Daily Scripture Reflections.” It is unlike any other Catholic daily Scripture devotional; completely dedicated to the love of our neighbors. It is an ethos of Christianity…it is core to our faith…it is how we are called to live. In our daily immersion in the Word of God, specifically oriented on love of neighbor, may we grow closer to each other and, by extension, closer to Him in the process.
Student Carol D’Souza has published a new article in the Spring 2026 issue of Co‑Redemptrix magazine, titled “In You, Lord, No One Can See Your Face, But in Mary We See Your Beauty.” The magazine, produced by the Marian Franciscans of the Immaculate in England, focuses this issue on the Trinitarian‑Marian mystery, especially the relationship between Our Lady and God the Father. Carol’s contribution explores a topic that has received little theological attention, offering readers a deeper understanding of this profound and beautiful mystery. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with fresh scholarship on Mary’s unique place within the life of the Trinity.
Alumna Anastasia Wambeke recently had the opportunity to write, direct, and star in her very own student short film for one of her film production classes.
Alumnus Dennis Pettit has joined the University of Dallas, Neuhaus Institute of Ministry and Evangelization, as a part-time Adjunct Instructor. Dennis graduated from Holy Apistles in 2022 with a Master’s in Theology, concentration in Sacred Scripture.
Alumnus Kaleb Hammond was recently interviewed by Kiki Latimer on the WCAT program “Catholic Bookworm,” about his article for the New Oxford Review entitled “Tolkien’s Insights into the Feminine Soul: Icons of the Virgin Mary in ‘The Lord of the Rings‘”, published last November. The interview was conducted on March 18. The New Liturgical Movement will also be republishing Kaleb’s article on Dom Prosper Gueranger’s Anti-Liturgical Heresy, entitled ‘The Voice of Tradition,’ originally published with Adoremus Bulletin, on Easter Wednesday.
Alumni Jonathon Fessenden and Philipp Hadden have published their newest book, The Crown of Roses: Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through Missio Dei Catholic.
Crown of Roses is written for modern Catholics in light of the Church’s timeless teachings and sacred tradition. A book that explores the history, power, and spiritual efficacy of the Rosary. With reflections that speak to souls in every stage of the spiritual journey, and beautiful introduction by Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., our book brings together the wisdom of Missio Dei’s own talented authors to help you fall more deeply in love with this powerful Marian prayer—through which Our Lady has promised to obtain for us all that we ask of her.
Alumna Diana Ray, MAPS 2025, accepted residency at Frederick Heath Hospital in their Clinical Pastoral Education program.
Alumna Allison LeDoux has been asked to present a keynote address on “Guardians and Servants of Human Life: Upholding the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services for the Renewal of a Culture of Life in Health Care” at the 21st annual Divine Mercy Medicine, Bioethics, and Spirituality Conference will take place April 29-May 1, 2026 at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA.
Alumnus Christopher Reilly had three articles about artificial intelligence published in March: “Instrumentality in Sin and Silicon” in Catholic World Report, “Is AI Pro-Life?” in the Human Life Review, and “Yes, AI Is a Tool, but It Is So Much More” in the New Oxford Review.
We commemorate our deceased members of the Holy Apostles family and request that you keep them in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Reverend William Vincent Callery, Jr., known affectionately as Father Bill, passed away on November 6, 2025, at age 84. A Pittsburgh native and Duquesne University graduate, he first served as a U.S. Army officer before discerning a call to the priesthood. He prepared for ministry at Holy Apostles College & Seminary and Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, and was ordained for the Diocese of Fargo in 2001. He went on to pastor several North Dakota parishes and continued assisting in ministry even in retirement.
Father Bill will be remembered for his humility, steadfast faith, and lifelong dedication to serving the Church and his communities.
Reverend Victor Chaker, 91, died on February 3, 2026. Father Chaker was born in Port Said, Egypt in 1934, immigrated to the United States, and before entering the priesthood was an accomplished engineer, husband, and father. After his beloved wife died, Victor entered Holy Apostles Seminary and received his MDiv on May 9, 2003, and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Norwich on May 31, 2003.
He served the faithful of St. Mary Parish in Coventry as a summer parochial vicar, parochial vicar, and pastor, and later retired from active ministry. He also served the Legion of Mary as Diocesan Spiritual Director. Father Chaker is survived by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and three living sisters.
A childhood marked by instability might not seem like the foundation for a life in Catholic leadership. Yet for Dr. Paul Chutikorn ’19, MA ’21, each twist and turn became part of a providential path leading him to Christ and His Church. With no religious upbringing to guide him, his journey began with a simple but powerful desire: to make dramatic changes in his life and build a better future for his family. What began as a search for order and a more moral life became something far greater—a discovery of the historic truth and beauty of the Catholic faith, and ultimately a calling to evangelize through teaching and leadership.
Dr. Chutikorn grew up in what he describes as a hectic environment. His parents divorced when he was only two years old, and he lived with his father until the age of nine. Paul then moved in with his mother, who was a real estate property manager, a profession with the downside of frequent relocation. Unfortunately, she battled personal problems, and as a result, Paul did not have the supervision a child needs. Although he did not get into trouble himself, he hung around with his cousin, who became involved with drugs and gang affiliation. Paul admits that, while not getting involved, he became attracted to the family-like, protective environment the gang brought—albeit destructive.
Paul’s life took a dramatic turn when he became a father at 16. After taking a year off from school to put his life in order, he completed high school and moved his future wife and child to Oregon to be near his sister. He felt a small-town environment was a better and more affordable place to raise a child.
While growing up, he and his siblings had no exposure to any religion at home. In high school, however, his sister joined a Christian youth group and, in Oregon, attended a Protestant nondenominational church. Now living in Oregon, Paul began attending the same church and loved it. He found that it helped him work toward his goal of becoming a more moral person and bring order to his life. His guiding principle was that he did not want his daughter to live the life he experienced, and he was doing everything possible to do something different.
During this time, when attending church and Bible studies, he began to love the person of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, a strong anti-Catholic sentiment within the Bible study classes led him to develop a negative opinion about the Catholic faith. An important moment came when his brother, who was originally a Protestant, fell in love with and converted to Catholicism. Paul and his brother had heated discussions and, with the intention of proving his brother wrong, Paul did research into Church history. As he read, he realized that his brother was actually correct about the Catholic Church being the true legacy of Christ. As he put it, “The early Church looked remarkably Catholic.” He and his wife converted to Catholicism in 2009.
On fire with love for Christ and the Church, he hungered to learn more and share the information through teaching. He enrolled in the Holy Apostles online studies program in 2016, just two years after it was fully approved, after hearing about it from his brother. The program, grounded in principles of Thomistic philosophy and theology, was something Paul had been looking for and could not find at any other college. In 2019, Paul earned an undergraduate degree in Theology and Philosophy.
Still on fire, Paul immediately began pursuing his Master of Theology degree, concentrating on Thomistic studies. This, again, was a new program that had launched in 2019, at the same time he graduated with his undergraduate degree.
After earning his graduate degree, he began working as a teaching assistant (TA) at Holy Apostles, while also maintaining a job as Director of Faith Formation at his local parish. When a position opened in 2020, Paul began his adjunct career as the instructor of Moral Theology.
While holding this adjunct position, Paul pursued a Doctor of Education (EdD), which he realized would enable him to provide for his seven children and offer additional opportunities for him to teach and lead. As with so many of the opportunities that came before, the hand of God was at work again. When Paul was completing this program, Holy Apostles posted a job opening for the position of associate dean. He applied and became the Associate Dean of Online Learning at Holy Apostles in September 2024, while maintaining his adjunct teaching position.
Describing this journey, Paul explains, “I have been very, very blessed. It has not been a smooth ride; it’s been a busy schedule—having seven children, going to school, and working. That has been quite difficult, but the whole journey has been a complete blessing.”
