This coming Friday, January 31st, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. John Bosco, who was a priest and worked in education in the 19th century. He is one of the saint patrons of education, besides St. John Baptiste of LaSalle. St. John Bosco followed the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and was ardently devoted to our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. He founded the community of the Salesians of Don Bosco. This religious community works on education around the world. Because of this wonderful love that Don Bosco had for educating our children, the Church in the United States celebrates this Catholic Schools week.
Pope St. John XXIII, on May 15th, 1961, says, Mater et Magistra Ecclesia est., which means, The Church is Mother and Teacher. Teaching is a very fundamental element of our Church because Jesus Himself was a teacher. Our Lord, Jesus Christ came to teach us what the Kingdom of Heaven is and how you and I can reach this Kingdom. Jesus at the moment of His ascension into Heaven commanded His disciples and us, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:19-20). Since that moment, the Church has been teaching to all people not only the good news of Jesus, but also many elements about the world, science, and other subjects. The Church has been creating schools, colleges, universities, seminaries, and other different institutions where many people around the world are learning.
For this reason, the Church not only recognizes the importance of Catholic Schools, but also prays for all people involved in education: principals, deans, teachers, and of course, students. Let us pray for all of them so that they can learn about the wonders of this world, having very strong Christian values.
Let us pray:
God of all growth. We ask you to bless all students in Catholic Schools. May they remain constantly curious in their pursuit of knowledge and truth. May they use their gifts and talents to spread your light and love throughout the Earth. And may all their learning ultimately draw them closer to Your Son, Christ the Teacher. We make this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.
Remember, The parish that we dream is the parish that I help to build.
God bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!
Fr. Jorge Ramirez
