Students inspired to love God

By Edward Modzelewski

“The Church of God is not a restful garden, but a working vineyard.” This quote by St. Lucy Filippini, also applies Catholic schools; organizations that St. Lucy worked so hard to build. Perhaps more important now than ever, Catholic schools need not just teach children to love God but inspire them to love God as well. On May 12, that inspiration came during a pilgrimage to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark. The students in grades 5-8 from St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, came together for a twofold joy: the Feast Day of St. Lucy Filippini and the 39th Anniversary of the ordination of St. Augustine’s pastor, Father Robert G. Lynam.

As the students arrived and entered the basilica, it was obvious that they were overcome with the wonder and awe of the beauty of the English Irish Gothic design of the Cathedral.

At Mass Newark Auxiliary Bishop Manuel Cruz, the main celebrant, spoke eloquently to the heart of our students, reminding them that it is through love that we fulfill God’s will on earth. He spoke about the beautiful example that St. Lucy was to others, especially children, during her lifetime and that it was all because of her love for God. Auxiliary Bishop Cruz honored Father Lynam by sharing inspirational stories from their pasts that highlighted the tremendous amount of respect they have for one another and the selflessness that has shaped their friendship over the last 40 years.

At the conclusion of Mass, all of the students processed to the Chapel of St. Lucy Filippini where Religious Teachers Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas was accompanied by an 8th grader to the altar. As the two laid flowers, all present sang an ode to St. Lucy in Italian, “Astra di Luce.” It was a beautiful sight to see the students united to celebrate St. Augustine’s as a Filippini school and at the same time, give glory to God. The students then toured the basilica.

The experiences of the day gave the students a view of the grandeur of the basilica and a greater appreciation for all the work it took to build such a marvelous structure. The words of Auxiliary Bishop Cruz were received as an educative lesson on the importance of God’s love in the world and our Christian duty to help spread God’s love. However, even more important than that lesson was the heartfelt inspiration that Auxiliary Bishop Cruz imparted to the students. He taught that it is essential for our students to be taught to love God, but they must be inspired to love God above all else.

Edward Modzelewski is principal of St. Augustine of Canterbury School