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Pope Francis Visits the United States & Our Classrooms

As the students assembled for the Monday Morning Prayer Service on the first day of school just over 2 weeks ago, Mr. Kane shared his excitement with the children about the Pope’s upcoming visit to the United States later in the month. Since that time, it has been with great anticipation that the students in Preschool - Grade 8 awaited the arrival of Pope Francis. 

For many students, they recall the day in March, 2013, that they came together at the end of the school day to watch as it was announced that Jorge Mario Bergoglio had been elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.   The fact that Bergoglio took his papal title after St. Francis of Assisi of Italy, makes him quite special amongst our students who, in fourth grade, spend a great deal of time learning about a number of Saints and in particular, St. Francis of Assisi.  The students think that taking Francis as his Papal name was the perfect choice for the Pope who has similar qualities. “We learned so much about St. Francis of Assisi last year," says Billy, now a 5^th grade student, “I think he was really amazing!”  While in the 4^th grade, students develop an awareness and commitment to protecting God’s creatures.  Each year, 4^th grade students host a Blessing of the Animals celebration and food drive for pets.  They also oversee the school’s recycling program and are dedicated to protecting the environment and our planet, a gift from God, a sentiment echoed by the Pope.

In addition to learning about the origin the Bergoglio’s papal name and that connection to 4^th grade, the students have learned a great deal about Pope Francis, the Vicar of Christ.  “That means he is like Jesus on earth” explains Brandon, a second grade student and the “leader of the Catholic church” shares Claire.  Students continue to share what they know about Pope Francis including the fact that he is the first Pope from the Americas and just the fourth pope to visit the United States.  As Miss Miller's second grade students prepared to record a video about the Pope, they identified with traits of the Pontiff and prayed that he would continue to pray for and serve the poor.

Like the second grade students, the Middle school students have also been enamored by the visit of our Pope who is from a Jesuit order.  Not only is it remarkable to think that he speaks Spanish, Italian, English, German & French, but they are also intrigued by the fact that he is known to take the bus and the subway, cook his own meals, loves soccer and tangos.  His low-key style makes him very likable.   Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the Pope’s visit to our country is the significance of the Pope’s address to Congress.  Pope Francis is the first Pontiff to have that distinction.  Each of the Middle School students, nearly 70 in all, came together in the Media Center to witness this historic moment listening as he spoke about respect for life, love and the voice of faith.

At the beginning of the Popes address to congress he received a resounding round of applause from the members of Congress when he referenced the United States as the “Home of the free and the brave.”  Near the conclusion of his address, the enthusiasm was equally as strong when he expressed that he is happy that America continues to be the land of dreams.  While we cannot personally see the Pope, our students are filled with joy as we feel his presence in the United States from afar.  In this age of technology, we have the opportunity to remain close and experience this historic visit by joining live broadcasts, bringing the Pope into our classrooms.  We are blessed with the freedom to express our faith and our dreams for a bright and promising future every day in our school.

Please visit our Facebook page to see how we have been participating in the Pope’s visit to the United States.