Enjoy selections from Baccalaureate Salesian Speeches and at our high schools and university
Joseph Morace (Father Judge High School)
Throughout my four years at Judge, the “27” have been a perfect representation of the values of a Salesian gentleman. Each of us should strive to model our behavior after them. For those who may not be familiar with “the 27,” the Judge community lost 27 graduates during the Vietnam War, the most of any Catholic high school in the United States.
The Class of 2021 experienced their own loss and faced adversity throughout the pandemic, but I was able to finally let go of the anger and frustration I have experienced this year when I remembered the 27 Judge graduates who went to Vietnam, never to return home. No matter where life leads us, remember the “27” and care for your fellow Crusaders and all people. Along the way, you will create joy, hope and unity. You will live the Salesian virtues.
The Salesian values instilled in us will define our relationships for the rest of our lives. It is incumbent upon us to follow the teachings and example of St. Francis de Sales, exemplified by our fellow Crusaders and alumni each and every day. As we, the class of 2021 move forward in the next chapter of our lives, let us remember the advice of our patron: “It is not those who commit the least faults who are the most successful, but those who have the greatest courage, the greatest generosity, the greatest love, who make the boldest efforts to achieve greatness.” Live today well!
Liam Furlong (Salesianum School)
“Be who you are and be that well.” Coming from a family in which my dad, his brother and his brother-in-law have taken hold of the brotherhood of Salesianum, I have heard that quote practically my whole life. Taking a look back, it is really sound advice. I used to say to myself: “I am the only me there is – aren’t I doing exactly that?”
But during my senior year, I had to acknowledge that “being you” does not equate with “being yourself.” Rather, being yourself is a choice that we have to address and stick with throughout life. The journey of growth, faith, and reflection began on our first day of high school. When we started Salesianum, it was so easy to believe that we were not enough. We all wrestled with this question.
It took four years, but I came to realize that I am enough. God created us in his image and likeness to be who we are – to be enough. There will never be a time when we will be completely satisfied with who we are and what we have become. However, over these four years, we have come to realize that God is fulfilled in us. When we see people, especially our classmates, who are exploring who God has called them to become, we are reminded that God is truly pleased with all of us. As we go off to embrace another chapter and get ready for a new freshmen year in college, when we encounter new difficulties and daunting moments, we will know in our hearts that others see God in us. “Be who you are and be that well in order to give glory to the master craftsman whose handiwork you are.” Live Jesus!
Charlie Morehead (St. Francis de Sales High School)
When I think back to why I came to St. Francis in the first place, I am not sure I can pinpoint the moment. I always thought I would be at Central Catholic, but God’s plan for me was obviously here at St. Francis and I am so grateful for how the plan unfolded. It is another example of my need to follow the teachings of St. Francis de Sales, who told us to “be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself.”
My Freshman year was rough, I wasn’t used to the level of rigor and discipline found at St. Francis. After a full year of not rising to that standard, I found myself facing a well-deserved “do not return” letter. However, I also found myself surrounded by teachers advocating for me to be given another chance. They saw something in me that I’m not even sure I saw in myself. They were patient with me.
Returning sophomore year, I improved little by little. I had to be patient with myself, just as St. Francis said. But choices I made as a young man are still having an impact on me today. I can’t go back and change things, but I can be patient with myself and learn from them.
At the end of my high school journey, I am ready to begin a new one, ready to keep trying. May all of us in the Class of 2021 enter this next leg of our journey with open hearts, being patient with everyone, but above all, with ourselves.
Margaret Arnold (DeSales University)
As we come to the end of our college experience, the challenges we have faced not just over the past year, but over the course of our time at DeSales, have contributed to our successes. From the moment we got here this university has helped us to positively build our character. Here we have learned to embody the core values of our university, our school patron, St. Francis de Sales. Gentleness, humility, gratitude, hospitality, and wisdom are now values we will carry into our post-graduate lives.
“Be who you are and be that well” - this is the phrase that we all know by heart, the phrase that we all try to follow. The phrase I hope you continue to integrate into your daily lives. We have spent our time here discovering and developing who we are into the best versions of ourselves. Now we all must go forward and continue our journey of discovery and development, outside of DeSales University.
