Sunday September 1, 2024
Looking Back at August in the Company of Mary
I still have the white porcelain statue that my Aunt Pat, a Sister of Saint Joseph, gave me as a boy. Mary is holding the child Jesus in her arms. Our school celebrated the Crowning of Mary last May. Our first school Mass this academic year began with the Queenship of Mary, nine days after her assumption, body and soul, into heaven. The royal dignity of Mary is part of the mystery of her full glorification and conformity with her Son, the King of all the ages. Likewise, our school enrollment began this year where it left off last year, at two hundred seventy.
Ms. Kelly Botto, the Principal of Saint Joachim School, and I are happy to hear the laughter of children again as the work of teaching and learning resumes. Ms. Botto says, “It is a blessing to be back with all the enthusiasm, joy and dedication of parents and teachers to our school.” Saint Joachim Catholic School is affiliated with the Sisters of Saint Joseph Educational Network, whose theme this year is synodality. The Greek word synhodos means walking together on the way, path or journey. Looking back at August fills me with gratitude for the times we prayed and played together. Jesus leads us forward as we listen to and accompany one another, all with the intercession of the most beautiful Mary, Mother of God.
In Christ,
Rev. Robert P. Capone