Graduation

Tonight Central Catholic will give diplomas to 324 seniors and send them on the next phase of their mission in life. It is a sweet and sour moment, as we witness the fruits of four years of patient love and persistence reach this level, and at the same time bid farewell to these familiar and always welcome faces. We can't predict what wonders or tragedies will befall these students, but as we also welcome former Florentius Award recipients and members of the class of 1961 who are celebrating their 50th anniversary, we have a fairly good indication that our present graduates will follow the path to a meaningful life that these alumni have trod. Next weekend, I will be attending the 40th reunion of the class of 1971, whom I taught at Wheeling Central Catholic High School. This is also an group who have contributed much to the world as teachers, counselors, lawyers, doctors, good husbands and fathers. It is reassuring to see that our Marist educational philosophy and methods achieve their purpose. We might pray that the exuberance of youth might be tempered at least a bit by prudence, but that the energy being unleashed tonight, might flow unimpeded to yield people filled with a Christian spirit and attitudes whose possess the habits and virtues to make them good Christians and good citizens, as was the desire of St. Marcellin, and continues to be ours.
Bro. Rene