“What grade are you getting?”
When Friar Johnpaul Cafiero ended his homily at Padua Franciscan High School’s Opening Liturgy, he was not talking to the students and teachers about upcoming tests or end-of-quarter report cards. He was referring to bringing God’s spirit to life.
In doing so, Cafiero challenged the Padua community to be like Mary, whom was celebrated on the Queenship of Mary Feast Day, which was established by Pope Pius XII in recognition of her role as the Queen of Heaven and Earth.
“Mary loved God with her whole self, who is fully alive by that spirit, the spirit again, that brought those dry bones together, that brought life to bring life to us,” Cafiero said. “You know, Mary, you got an A-plus. What grade are you getting?”
Cafiero reflected on his own journey as a student after recently finding a report card from his eighth-grade year at Sacred Heart Elementary School. Along with the report card, which he said was full of As, was a certificate of perfect attendance.
He acknowledged being “one of those kids that was really excited when report cards came out” because he was proud of the work he did and was “expecting good grades.” Then, he emphasized the importance of not only taking care of one’s mind in school, but also, the body and spirit.
“How do we take care of ourselves?” Cafiero said. “You know, we only got one body in this life. And if your model’s recalled, you’re in trouble. We only have one body. How do you take care of it? You love yourself when we take care of our bodies, get exercise. We’re sitting in school all day. Some of you, you go home and sit in front of a computer screen or sit there with the phones. Do you get enough exercise? We love our body when we keep moving.”
After encouraging the congregation to love even when it is difficult by embracing the differences that exist in the world, Cafiero reminded everyone to “love God above all else.”
“Ultimately, you’ve got to love God,” Cafiero said. “Yesterday, Mr. DiRocco talked about the three Ps: prayer, presence, participation. Prayer is about communication. It’s about a relationship. Prayer is not just saying words. Have you ever been in a relationship with somebody who never shuts up? They keep talking and talking and talking. I think sometimes, we do that with God. Remember, communication is two parts. Speaking’s only one. We’ve got to listen.”
“God gives us the ratio, one mouth, two ears. Part of prayer is listening to God in our lives, and it’s important in our relationship. Communication is important, but sometimes, you can just hang out together. That’s prayer. We experience God in the sacraments, those of us who are part of the Catholic tradition. We do one of the most beautiful things here at the Mass, the Eucharist. God’s presence, we believe, in the bread and the wine. We experience the account of the Living God. What a sacred moment in our sacraments.”
During the Mass, Padua commissioned the following seniors as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
- Claire Bobofchak
- Marissa Castro
- Caitlin DiCarlo
- Gabriella Gove
- Drew Ketvertis
- Amilya Lampa
- Angela Joy Madamba
- Kate Minchak
- Paige Muhvic
- Isabella Salyards
- Nico Senior
