Xavier University of Louisiana is honored to announce that His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson will serve as presider and the Reverend Kareem R. Smith will serve as homilist for the University’s Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Convocation Center.

This sacred celebration marks a defining moment for the Class of 2026—a time of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual grounding as graduates prepare to transition from Xavier into lives of purpose and service.

Cardinal Turkson, a globally respected leader in the Catholic Church and a tireless advocate for justice, peace, and human dignity, brings a profound witness to the Church’s call to advance the common good. His distinguished service—from Archbishop of Cape Coast to Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development—reflects a lifelong commitment to integrating faith and action to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Cardinal Turkson will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during Xavier’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m.

Father Smith, a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of New York, is widely recognized for his dynamic preaching, pastoral leadership, and deep commitment to advancing the Church's spiritual and social mission. A native of the Bronx, he serves as Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, where his ministry is marked by vibrant community engagement, youth formation, and culturally rooted liturgical expression.

As President of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus and a board member of the National Black Catholic Congress, Father Smith has emerged as a leading voice in strengthening Black Catholics' presence and leadership in the Church.

Together, Cardinal Turkson and Father Smith embody the richness of the global and Black Catholic experience, offering wisdom, inspiration, and a powerful call to lives grounded in faith, justice, and service. Their leadership at this year’s Baccalaureate Mass will provide a meaningful and fitting spiritual sendoff for Xavier graduates as they go forth to help create a more just and humane society.

The Baccalaureate Mass is part of Xavier’s Commencement celebrations, gathering graduates, their families, faculty, and staff for a shared time of reflection and celebration.