#LasallianLife
Good Penman
December 15, 2023
There is a beautiful innocence in every newborn baby. As the child grows, we try to hold onto that innocence as they navigate a world fraught with challenges. Brother Agathon, the former Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, described the role of the teacher when he wrote to his fellow Brothers in the late 1700’s:
“Why has Jesus Christ entrusted these children to the teacher? Was it merely to make them good penmen, great mathematicians, clever calculators, learned savants? Who would dare say or even think in this way? He entrusted them to the teacher to preserve in them the precious and priceless gift of innocence that he placed in their souls."
Throughout these past two days, I have had the joy of spending time with our 7th grade students on their retreat. The retreat was masterfully orchestrated by the leaders of our Campus Ministry Program, Mrs. Susan Major and Mrs. Marijane Finlay. Our junior and senior peer ministers led each of the activities and provided reflections through “witness talks.” Faculty members Mr. Patrick Wiese and Sr. Sue Dunn accompanied the students and provided love and support as the 7th grade students embarked on their first retreat as Brothers.
Throughout the day, our seventh grade students learned about kindness as a reflection of God’s love. They learned that God did not create them merely to be “good penmen, great mathematicians, clever calculators, or learned savants.” God created them to live a life committed to the love and innocence that was found at their birth.
As my evening was winding down, and after a wonderful 7th grade retreat, I received the following message from Mrs. Major:
I was picking up pizza and I ran into one of the seventh graders. He offered to carry my pizza to the car and he said, " This is just what we were talking about today, wasn't it Mrs. Major? Helping each other and showing kindness." It was the best moment ever! Have a good night.
I have no idea if this young 7th grade student is a good penmen, great mathematician, clever calculator, or learned savant. Yet, I do know for certain that the precious and priceless gift that was placed in his soul continues to shine bright for all to see!
Live Jesus in Our Hearts!
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
A special thanks to the following peer ministers for being exceptional role models and leaders of our 7th grade retreat and of our school: Sydney Vaughn; Julia DeBottis ; Abby Uryniak; Sean Cavanaugh; Tia Marshall; Connor Morgia; Jack Gregory; Max Lachut; Teddy Meade; Jack Landau; Will Cannizzo; Alli Mancini; Ryan Storie; Julia Achuff; Jaden Sistrunk; Marielle Emmanuel; Allison Boule; Andrew Nardella; Cooper Marko; Sofia Santa Ines; Billy Assaf; Nick Genovese; Gavin Dunford; Becca Bieless; Myli Petrocci; Quinn Wimer; Ava Ascenzo; Ethan Harris; Lauren Zollo ; Sofia Kassab; Harriet Dweh; Peyton Woodcock; Maeve Mackenzie; Jamiah Stephens; Matt Capella; Ryan Hayden; Zoie Whelan.
