Message from School Director
WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR!
(Homily delivered during the Holy Mass before the Annual Orientation…Feast of Mary Magdalene)
My dear brothers and sisters, dear partners in the Catholic Education apostolate…partners in the formation of our children…a peaceful morning to all.
As we begin our annual orientation, I wish to welcome all of you at St.Peter the Apostle School. In behalf of the school community, I wish to welcome our new stakeholders, our new partners in forming the young people entrusted to our care. We thank the Lord for gathering us here in this most solemn celebration of the Holy Mass.
During our planning last May, the representatives from the Parents Auxiliary and Alumni Association gave a profound and essential answer to one of the significant questions each one us need to answer as co-agents in education.
The question is: What kind of world do we want our children and their children to have in the future?(Our parents and alumni representatives answered:) this is unedited…
• We want our children to live in a spiritually-focused world• If they have God in their lives, they will have the proper morals, values, attitudes to face the challenges of work life• We see two paths for them: either they will enter the professional life or they will be entrepreneurs• in Either path, we want them to be equipped with the skills that they need. As early as now, it would be nice that we should encourage our children to go with where their strengths lie.• But ultimately, whatever profession they enter into, they should have a good spiritual foundation first.• because their success will depend on it. • If they are God-fearing, they will value their work, they will not involve themselves in office politics, they will treat their employees well and they will become successful.
As partners in formation, we deeply value this fundamental vision which is the core of Catholic Education…We therefore invite everyone to participate actively in the holistic development of our children and it puts to the forefront the pearl of great price that our parents and alumni reiterated during the planning and synodal consultation: their Godly-human formation.
In order for this to come to fruition, our school therefore prioritizes this: That everyone in the community encounters Jesus…and be transformed by the power of his love and grace. Our community is diverse and our hearts expand in embracing everyone…if you notice…the word welcome is translated in different languages…we have with us Brothers and Sisters, young people from different parts of the world …We wish that they also encounter Jesus through our kindness, wisdom, courage and faith.
It is very providential that we are celebrating today the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. She is one of the most remarkable and revered figures in the New Testament. Throughout her journey, she embodies the transformative power of encountering the love and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
In the Gospels, Mary Magdalene is mentioned as one of the devoted followers of Jesus, accompanying Him during His earthly ministry. Her story is a testament to the boundless mercy of our Savior, for she was once burdened by seven demons, but Jesus liberated her from darkness and despair, transforming her life completely.
As we contemplate the legacy of Mary Magdalene, we recognize that she stands as a symbol of hope for all of us who seek redemption and forgiveness. Her encounter with Jesus at the tomb on that glorious morning after His resurrection is a poignant reminder of the victory of life over death and the power of unwavering faith.
Mary's devotion to Jesus was unwavering, even during the darkest hours of His crucifixion. She stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing the immense suffering of her beloved Savior. And when others may have turned away in fear or despair, she remained steadfast, holding on to her faith with unwavering loyalty.
It is at the empty tomb that Mary Magdalene's faith is rewarded. As she encounters the risen Christ, her heart is filled with overwhelming joy and awe. The Savior she loved and followed had conquered death, fulfilling His promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
In this, we find a powerful message of hope. Mary's encounter with the risen Christ inspires us to seek Him earnestly, to trust in His mercy, and to hold fast to our faith, even in the face of life's greatest challenges. Just as Jesus transformed Mary's life, He offers us the opportunity for transformation and renewal, inviting us to surrender our burdens and find healing in His embrace.
Through Mary Magdalene's life, we see the beauty of divine love and its transformative power. Her devotion, loyalty, and faithfulness remind us that no matter our past, our shortcomings, or our struggles, God's love is always present, offering us a chance for a new beginning.
Let us, therefore, embrace the lessons of Mary Magdalene's life, seeking Christ with all our hearts, allowing His love to heal our wounds, and responding to His call to share that love with others. May we become witnesses of His resurrection, spreading the good news of His redeeming grace, and reflecting the light of His love in a world that yearns for hope and salvation.
As we begin our journey together this new academic year, may Mary Magdalene's example inspire us to live lives of love, faith, and compassion, knowing that we too can experience the joy of encountering the risen Christ in our hearts. Let us carry her legacy of devotion and courage as we walk together the path of discipleship, guided by the love of our Lord, now and forevermore. Amen.
(Homily delivered during the Holy Mass before the Annual Orientation…Feast of Mary Magdalene)
My dear brothers and sisters, dear partners in the Catholic Education apostolate…partners in the formation of our children…a peaceful morning to all.
As we begin our annual orientation, I wish to welcome all of you at St.Peter the Apostle School. In behalf of the school community, I wish to welcome our new stakeholders, our new partners in forming the young people entrusted to our care. We thank the Lord for gathering us here in this most solemn celebration of the Holy Mass.
During our planning last May, the representatives from the Parents Auxiliary and Alumni Association gave a profound and essential answer to one of the significant questions each one us need to answer as co-agents in education.
The question is: What kind of world do we want our children and their children to have in the future?(Our parents and alumni representatives answered:) this is unedited…
• We want our children to live in a spiritually-focused world• If they have God in their lives, they will have the proper morals, values, attitudes to face the challenges of work life• We see two paths for them: either they will enter the professional life or they will be entrepreneurs• in Either path, we want them to be equipped with the skills that they need. As early as now, it would be nice that we should encourage our children to go with where their strengths lie.• But ultimately, whatever profession they enter into, they should have a good spiritual foundation first.• because their success will depend on it. • If they are God-fearing, they will value their work, they will not involve themselves in office politics, they will treat their employees well and they will become successful.
As partners in formation, we deeply value this fundamental vision which is the core of Catholic Education…We therefore invite everyone to participate actively in the holistic development of our children and it puts to the forefront the pearl of great price that our parents and alumni reiterated during the planning and synodal consultation: their Godly-human formation.
In order for this to come to fruition, our school therefore prioritizes this: That everyone in the community encounters Jesus…and be transformed by the power of his love and grace. Our community is diverse and our hearts expand in embracing everyone…if you notice…the word welcome is translated in different languages…we have with us Brothers and Sisters, young people from different parts of the world …We wish that they also encounter Jesus through our kindness, wisdom, courage and faith.
It is very providential that we are celebrating today the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. She is one of the most remarkable and revered figures in the New Testament. Throughout her journey, she embodies the transformative power of encountering the love and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
In the Gospels, Mary Magdalene is mentioned as one of the devoted followers of Jesus, accompanying Him during His earthly ministry. Her story is a testament to the boundless mercy of our Savior, for she was once burdened by seven demons, but Jesus liberated her from darkness and despair, transforming her life completely.
As we contemplate the legacy of Mary Magdalene, we recognize that she stands as a symbol of hope for all of us who seek redemption and forgiveness. Her encounter with Jesus at the tomb on that glorious morning after His resurrection is a poignant reminder of the victory of life over death and the power of unwavering faith.
Mary's devotion to Jesus was unwavering, even during the darkest hours of His crucifixion. She stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing the immense suffering of her beloved Savior. And when others may have turned away in fear or despair, she remained steadfast, holding on to her faith with unwavering loyalty.
It is at the empty tomb that Mary Magdalene's faith is rewarded. As she encounters the risen Christ, her heart is filled with overwhelming joy and awe. The Savior she loved and followed had conquered death, fulfilling His promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
In this, we find a powerful message of hope. Mary's encounter with the risen Christ inspires us to seek Him earnestly, to trust in His mercy, and to hold fast to our faith, even in the face of life's greatest challenges. Just as Jesus transformed Mary's life, He offers us the opportunity for transformation and renewal, inviting us to surrender our burdens and find healing in His embrace.
Through Mary Magdalene's life, we see the beauty of divine love and its transformative power. Her devotion, loyalty, and faithfulness remind us that no matter our past, our shortcomings, or our struggles, God's love is always present, offering us a chance for a new beginning.
Let us, therefore, embrace the lessons of Mary Magdalene's life, seeking Christ with all our hearts, allowing His love to heal our wounds, and responding to His call to share that love with others. May we become witnesses of His resurrection, spreading the good news of His redeeming grace, and reflecting the light of His love in a world that yearns for hope and salvation.
As we begin our journey together this new academic year, may Mary Magdalene's example inspire us to live lives of love, faith, and compassion, knowing that we too can experience the joy of encountering the risen Christ in our hearts. Let us carry her legacy of devotion and courage as we walk together the path of discipleship, guided by the love of our Lord, now and forevermore. Amen.