From Our Salesian Graduates

Enjoy selections from Salesian Speeches

John Gormley

John “Jack” Gormley, Salesianum School Class President

From where we sit at this moment, though, I want to ask you this question. Was it really just the highs and lows that made our Salesianum experience remarkable? For myself, looking back, it was not. It’s easy to look back on the roller coaster ride and remember the big drops or the loops. But there’s the anticipation of the slow climb. The moments in between when you are trying to catch your breath. Talking and laughing about it all with friends as you go through it together. The reason we sit here today shoulder by shoulder in our white tuxes isn’t just because we have finished all the requirements and are now receiving a diploma from Salesianum. It's because we are receiving something more. We are joining a group of individuals that have taken all the lessons from Salesianum, big and small, and brought them into the real world. And before we walk out of these bleachers for the last time, we can take a breath together, and think about what it all meant to experience this as brothers.

The Latin word for breath is Spirit. It’s the root for words like inspiration, respiration, or even perspiration (if you know me this might be the most important). When we talk about words like school spirit it’s not just pride and excitement for each other, it really is that breath we all feel within us that binds us together. Even the Holy Spirit is a reminder that we all have God’s own breath within us, giving us life… Read full speech

Colin McGhee

Colin McGhee, Salesianum School

Recipient of the Rev. Thomas A. Lawless, OSFS, 1908 Gold Master Award for First in Class Rank Over Four Years

The concept of faith is very complex. Faith is different for every person in this room, and it comes in many different forms: faith in yourself, faith in others, and faith in God. But, even among the complexity, there exists a certain simplicity that has made it the cornerstone behind our school, our brotherhood, and our family for the past 120 years: trust. Put simply, faith is nothing more than trust; faith is to trust yourself, someone else, or God, to believe in them whole-heartedly, and it is this simplicity that turns such a profound concept into a centerpiece of our everyday life, as no matter what you choose to put your faith in, you are forming a bond of love, a union of hope.

Every day, when we said the Direction of Intention and asked God for His grace to live the day well, we learned that God will always be there to guide us as long as we have faith in Him. And, when we met the challenge from Fr. Chirs Beretta, OSFS, to step up as seniors and lead the school this year with maturity and humility, we learned that we can accomplish much more than we ever thought possible, as long as we have faith in ourselves. Sallies is and was a wonderful community filled with love, hope, and trust, and it is a place where we have grown to become better people, but without that faith, without a belief in God, ourselves, and each other, none of it would have been possible. Thus, Salesianum is faith; to have faith is to be a true Salesian…Read full speech

Scotty Buff with Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS, SFS Vice-President.

Scotty Buff, St. Francis de Sales School

Now. Here. This. Our Salesian theme this year.

We have heard it every morning as we start our day with prayer by either Mr. Trovato or Mr. Petro, where it feels like they take a five-minute pause between each word. I do believe this is an important part because each word is then emphasized individually.

God has called us to do many things, but finding what we love as we enter the adult world is extremely important. Not only will it make whatever we do easier because we love it, but because we love it, we will become more successful.

The brotherhood we have all built with each other here over the past four years is unprecedented. The times we have been through, the ups and the downs, none of this would happen without this building here. The faculty, staff, and coaches here are so invested in our futures. From Doc. Uram's preaching of repetition to the Oblates’ continuous support of whatever it is that we are doing and Coach Brent's extreme passion towards anyone and everything. We would not be the people we are right now without this building…Read full speech

John Clark

John Clark, Father Judge High School

My name is John Clark. I have actively participated in all aspects of life at Father Judge:  academic, athletic, and school leadership. While maintaining my grades, I was also on the cross country, indoor track, and baseball teams for all four years. I was also a captain of the cross country team, a student council class representative, and a member of the National Honor Society. All of these experiences provided by Judge have allowed me and our whole class to exercise and live out the seven Salesian virtues, handed down to us by our patron, St. Francis de Sales. 

The most significant of which I believe, especially for us now and into the future, is to Be Grateful. I believe it is of utmost importance for us to recognize and be grateful for the great life and opportunities provided to us by God, as we have attended Father Judge, have grown within the Catholic community, and currently live in the greatest nation to ever exist. I am extremely grateful for the character-building experiences and challenges provided by the school as I know I am more than prepared to succeed in the next step of my life at the United States Air Force Academy…Read full speech

Salesian Students Aim High to Make a Difference!

Over the past ten years, Salesianum School, Padua Acadamy (part of the Oblate parish, St. Anthony of Padua) and Ursuline Acadamy in Delaware have partnered annually to coordinate a powerful fundraising event called SALSTHON (Students About Life Saving).  The collaboration is headed by the Student Councils from each school and to date has raised a remarkable $1,400,000 for local non-profit organizations, including The Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans, Child Inc., The B+ Foundation, SL24: Sean's House, St. Patrick’s Center, Limen House, AI DuPont Children’s Hospital and The Summer Collab. 

This year, the students announced that The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware (RMHDE) is the SALSTHON 2023 beneficiary and together have set their sights on an impressive $175,000 fundraising goal. 

To choose the beneficiary for SALSTHON, the Student Councils research and present options focusing on foundations that are in need and where the money raised will be the most impactful.  After interviewing the nonprofits and much consideration, students agree on one foundation.  This year, when speaking with RMHDE and touring the facilities, the students felt a deep connection between the mission of the foundation and Salesian Spirituality.  

Pam Cornforth, President and CEO of RMHDE; Brian Reed, whose family was a beneficiary of RMHDE, and members of Salesianum's Student Council (L-R): Jake Randall '23, William "Deuce" Mutts '23; Colin McGhee '23, Nate Gambol '23 and Jack Gormley '23.

As SALSTHON faculty liaison Ms. Alison Hildenbrand said, “The joy and optimism that emanates from RMHDE has a real connection to Salesian Spirituality and the teaching of Saint Francis de Sales.  The foundation is dedicated to creating a place that is happy and optimistic for families who are going through difficult times.” 

If this year’s fundraising goal is met, RMHDE will be able to fill its financial need to be able to continue to provide meals for families staying with them.  If students are able to surpass the goal, those funds will go towards updating the accommodations and furnishings at the housing facilities. 

Salesianum’s Student Council President Jack Gormley ‘23 is passionate and enthusiastic about this year's effort.  He said, “It is through efforts like this that we as students are able to highlight how Saint Francis’ teaching lives inside of us every day and in all that we do.  We are really able to show that we live these teachings when we can put them into action in the real world and do something really special to help others.  Through this effort we show our true selves, being who we are and being that well.  We don’t shy away from obstacles, even though it is not easy. We are here to work on something really special and continue to live out Salesian Spirituality in our communities.”  He went on to express how he and his fellow council members hope that this can be the start of a partnership with RMHDE and Salesianum as they have already identified ways that students can volunteer at the foundation and have brainstormed other fundraising options for the future. 

From now until March 18th, students from all three Salesian schools are joining forces to raise funds through various outlets, including direct donation solicitations, sponsoring “dress down” days, social events and athletic tournaments.  Finally, on the evening of March 18, the fundraising efforts culminate at the spirited SALSTHON overnight dance held at Salesianum where the highly anticipated reveal of the official total dollars raised occurs.

To learn more about SALSTHON here.

Live + Jesus! 

St. Paul VI Catholic High School Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

This year, Oblate-affiliated St. Paul VI Catholic High School is celebrating 40 years of growing in grace and wisdom!  The school community celebrated with an Anniversary Mass on Sunday, January 29 in their theatre, Teatro Montini.  The Mass was concelebrated by current Chaplain Father Stephen Schultz, founding principal Father Donald J. Heet, OSFS, and former principal, Father Robert Mulligan, OSFS, with over 400 people in attendance.  It was so special to have so many past, present (and future) Panthers, faculty and staff celebrating together. 

Father Donald J. Heet, OSFS, (front) Chaplain Father Stephen Schultz, (back) and Father Robert Mulligan, OSFS, (right).

St. Paul VI High School was established in 1983 by former Arlington Bishop Thomas J. Welsh and the Oblates administered and staffed the school until 2000. Other Oblates who served at the school include Father Joe Brennan, Brother Bob Carter, and Fathers Michael Cavanaugh, Bill Dougherty, Ed Fitzpatrick, Frank Hanlon, Matt Hillyard, John Lyle, Robert Mancini, John McGee, Ed Ogden and John O'Neill.

The mission of St. Paul VI Catholic High School is to provide an excellent Catholic education to young men and women by affording them the means to achieve spiritual, intellectual, personal, social, and physical development according to the teachings of the Gospel and Saint Francis de Sales. St. Paul VI Catholic High School is committed to graduating responsible, moral, service-oriented young adults who will continue to “grow in grace and wisdom."

A full gallery of photos from the day are available here and the Mass can be viewed on the PVI YouTube Channel. 

Catholic Schools Week

From January 29 to February 4, the Church celebrated Catholic Schools Week across the United States.  In a special way, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, whose patron considered learning to be the “eighth sacrament” of the Church, recognize and value the ministry of education, and in particular, how a Catholic education impacts the world in which we live: from our individual neighborhoods to our nation as whole.  This reality is supported by the Oblates in many educational institutions throughout our two North American provinces: parish schools, high schools, and college campuses, many of which have shared pictures of their celebrations of Catholic Schools Week here.  

When addressing the early Oblates and teachers at St. Bernard School in Troyes, France in 1891, our founder Blessed Louis Brisson, OSFS, acknowledged the importance of a Catholic school education when he told them, “What you are doing is the greatest good that can be produced.  It is the goal of all of the efforts of good people and of the Church itself: to lead education in the ways of Christianity and of conscience.”  Over 130 years later, the Oblates, and those with whom we partner in Catholic education, continue to provide this “greatest good” to young people.  Let us praise and thank our Good God for this gift we share with the Church.

Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS

Director of Oblate Education

From Our Graduates

Enjoy selections from Salesian Speeches and Graduate Speeches

The Oblates established and continue to minister at DeSales University, Salesianum School, Father Judge High School, Nativity Preparatory School, & St. Francis de Sales High School. We also support and partner with Cristo Rey High School, Bishop Ireton High School, & Georgetown Visitation.

Salesian Reflections 

Mark Jannuzzi - Class President- DeSales University 

Today we honor all those who have succeeded, those who took the risk on DeSales University, and even through the hard times, came out on top.  6.7% of the World population holds a college degree. Percentage-wise, you weren’t supposed to be here. That means 93.3% of people in the world won’t get to be where you are today. YOU  have made it POSSIBLE. We are the role models and leaders of the future. Saint Francis DeSales once said, “Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that  perfectly.”

Similar to the quote we all know “Be who you are and be that well,” Saint Francis  DeSales teaches us to never lose sight of ourselves, something which is hard in today’s social media-driven world. He teaches us that being the best version of ourselves is better than being a fake version of someone else. This is a reminder that God created us uniquely and now it is our duty to be unique, just like how the DeSales community is unique.

In closing, I would like to add a quote from former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: “Some people make things happen, some watch things happen, while others wonder what has  happened.” Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Class of 2022. The Class that will make things happen! Thank you. Read full speech here.

Thomas McGauley  - Fr. Judge High School 

As we gather tonight, we remember that we have shared many things, especially the same Salesian virtues that unite us as brothers under our patron, St. Francis de Sales. One virtue that I have taken up and that I think represents our whole class is the call to be positive. I try to approach life with an optimistic attitude each day.  Over these last few years, even with our struggles, I have seen everyone strive to remain optimistic and be the best versions of themselves every day.

As we move on after graduation, we will carry on the legacy of being a “Judge Guy.”   This is a legacy of persevering through daily life and through the hard times in life, just like our “27” did. The “27” are the young Judge graduates who were deployed in the Vietnam War and never returned.  However, their sacrifice and bravery is always remembered and something we should always appreciate and value. 

When we leave Solly Avenue, we should also strive to carry on our identity as Salesian Gentlemen, wherever we go. As we leave, I hope we continue to be positive, be good, and in the words of our patron, St. Francis de Sales, may we always “be who we are and strive to be that well.”   Read full speech here.

Jim Conley - Salesianum  School

From my first day at Salesianum, I was introduced to several people who would help me on my own faith journey. My faith was truly strengthened in the way that I saw Jesus in the people I encountered every day at school.   Teachers, classmates, custodians, and coaches all helped me to encounter Christ.  I saw Jesus in their example and they inspired me to “be who I am and be that well.”

As Salesians, we see God in the present moment, in our companions on the road, and in the breaking of the bread.  Perhaps it didn’t matter what we accomplished, as long as it was together.  Our Salesian brotherhood, similar to the bond of the apostles, will always keep us close.   Francis de Sales reminds us that “those who go, stay and those who stay, go.”  As we leave this building, we leave a piece of ourselves behind.   Yet we also take a part of Salesianum with us forever.  So, my fellow travelers, take hold and never let go.  Rise up and Live Jesus! Read full speech and other Salesianum speeches here.

Nicholas Basista - St. Francis de Sales High School 

So often as students we hear “Be who you are and be that well,” or for one unfortunate class, “u.b.u”. I've probably heard that phrase more than anything else at SFS; everywhere you look that quote from St. Francis or a relative phrase is plastered on the walls. Its importance really comes to fruition as I reflect back on my own experiences and the times with this class as a whole. It's the individuality of each person composing the student body that makes the St. Francis community so special. The diversity of personalities within SFS makes the school an exciting place to be. But more importantly, it's the fact that each person, each personality, can find success in the community. However, greatness isn’t uniform. Greatness can be defined by so much: academic success, athletic success, skills in arts or music, and much more. I often think that our view of success and greatness is so limited. Being yourself, whether you’re the funniest kid in the room, the hardest working student behind the scenes, the best player on a state championship-winning hockey program, or just a good person to be around, is truly achieving greatness. No one achieves greatness purely by luck. Every step along the way, a peer or a faculty member is ready to help or involve you in the community to become great. So while we all have work in front of us to continue being great, I’m confident that each of us has been endowed with the foundation necessary for success regardless of where we go.  Read full speech here.

Jack Rust  -St. Francis de Sales High School 

Looking back on all that we have accomplished and experienced throughout these four years, Our class, the class of 22, encountered, survived, and overcame more than any class that has come before us here at St. Francis. No matter the trial or tribulation we faced, my brothers endured and lived the St. Francis quote, “rise up.”  

For most of us, our time at SFS and brotherhood can be linked back to Camp DeSales. Most of us started our St. Francis experience at 7th, 8th, or Freshman camp. The fond memories of Father Ken’s cooking, being pulled tubing by a priest, or bonding through the accomplishment of the ropes course was the inception of the brotherhood. As Father Ken would call it, “a place where the air is thin between heaven and earth.” What a more perfect place,  for this brotherhood to form.  Most of us had the opportunity to return to  Camp DeSales for our Senior Retreat, for a final chance to reinforce our bond before going our separate ways.

I could not miss the opportunity to leave you with a few sayings to carry with you: 

• “Saveter et Fortier” “There’s nothing so strong as gentleness” 

• “VJ”

•  “We want you to be a Knight” 

• …any word attached with “Salesian”

. God bless the class of 2022 and God Bless America! Read full speech here.

---

Excerpts from Commencement Speeches 

Pablo Mezquita-Medina and William Johnson, Jr. - Nativity Preparatory School

I learned that the classes I had to go through would mean nothing if it hadn’t been for my classmates. Throughout my time at Nativity, I had to recite the school pledge countless times. Each time I recited the pledge, I would think about the spirit of Nativity and what or who it was. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that when I pledged my service to the spirit of Nativity, I was actually pledging my service to my classmates. If I had to choose one word to describe my

class, I would choose empathy. Empathy has been a very common theme in my class throughout the year.  I like to try and end things how I start them; in this case, with a quote. The quote I chose to share is about empathy, and it’s by Cornell West. Dr. West once said,“Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going through, but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope.” Read full speech here.

 Riley Lebon -Bishop Ireton  High School, Alexandria, VA

Over the past summer, I met with 11 of my classmates to talk about what the school Salesian quotation for the year should be. It was important to us that this quote encapsulated all of the emotions we felt and the experiences we had during high school. We chose St. Francis de Sales’ words: “We must sometimes take a step backward in order to better spring forward; let us practice well holy resignation and pure love of our Lord.” Each crack we’ve faced together was tackled with the same level of determination that it approached us with. Not only did our faith never waiver, but we continued to be pivotal Salesian leaders in our families and communities. One of the biggest blessings this year has been the full return to retreats at Ireton. Each Monday when the retreatants returned, the change was instantaneous. Whether it was a weekend of serving others or a weekend of learning about love and friendship, we returned with fresh outlooks and affection for each other so strong that it will continue long after we leave here today.  Read full speech and Aidan Foley's speech here.

View Bishop Ireton Video

Aisata Ba -  Cristo Rey High School, Philadelphia, PA

Cristo Rey asked us the first question: “Who are you?” - Even as freshmen, we were told we belonged. We were reminded by upperclassmen and teachers that our existence in the seats of the cramped Social Hall was important. That we were important. We found our significance on Signing Day, and feeling that spark of inspiration at every Friday assembly. We explored every nook and cranny of our complex beings, and there we found our potential. 

Who are we now? We are unified. Everywhere you turned there was a college acceptance, a scholarship awarded, a job granted—a new beginning. We had a wonderful support system. We had so many staff and most importantly, we had each other! Though we worked to thrive individually, we knew that would have meant nothing if we didn’t thrive together. We became one. 

We’re all sitting here right now because we worked our way through these questions. We learned that this potential we harbor within us is made to be discovered, explored, utilized, and changed. 

Tonight is a reminder of your journey. And your journey is a reminder that you are resilient, you are courageous, and you are loved. Read full speech and Malcolm Pace’s speech here..

Joella Kiondo - Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

The end of my time as class president, the end of our time as Visitation students, and yet the beginning of a new era of our lives.   What I know for sure is that we are intelligent, resilient, adaptable, and optimistic. What I don’t know for sure is what comes next. What happens after we make our exit? I challenge you to remember you are capable of accomplishing difficult things — but you don’t necessarily have to seek them out. Meet yourself where you are, and where you want to be.

Do what excites you, not what is expected of you. You are always growing and changing. Have patience with yourself. Some may choose to see college as a fresh start, and for others it will be an opportunity to carry the best of themselves into a new environment as you try new things. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” It is the relationships that we keep, throughout all the hectic changes, unending twists, frequent turns, and surprising dead ends in our lives that truly make life fulfilling. Read full speech here.