Cameron Webb (Nativity Prep 6th grade)
Like everything else in our post-pandemic society, the world of education has undergone major change and evolution. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, two recent visits to schools formed in Oblate spirit and charism have blessed me with plenty of Salesian optimism.
I recently enjoyed a wonderful visit to Nativity Preparatory School whose mission is to serve young men from communities lacking educational resources and opportunities within Wilmington, DE. While there, I had the opportunity to do some art and faith work with the fifth and sixth graders. The visit was delightful from beginning to end literally!
When I first arrived, I parked near a sign that reads “Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS, Drive,” which put a smile on my face before I even entered the building (Fr. Ed was the school’s first principal). And just as I was preparing to leave, Fr. Dick DeLillio, OSFS, former president of the school, appeared on the scene. These two Oblates were like bookends, with Fr. Brian Zumbrum, OSFS, in between celebrating liturgy for the kids. They affirmed what I already suspected: that Nativity is an awesome place and makes me proud of our humble Oblate contributions to the ever-evolving world of education. The school is celebrating 20 years of impacting the lives of young men to a better trajectory for a different life.
Fr. Dick DeLillio, OSFS, with Spencer Petit (Nativity Prep 6th grade).
I had gone to Nativity to share some images I have been working on which depict the Good Shepherd in multiple cultural and racial identities. The sheep in each picture are the colors of human flesh, not just white. After sharing the iconic words of Psalm 23, I showed the kids how to draw a sheep and asked them to color them to match their own skin tones. I came away filled with hope for the future after witnessing the enthusiasm of the Nativity Prep students as well as the president, principal, and art teacher, each of whom is doing an amazing job.
Bro. Mickey McGrath, OSFS and Fr. Vince Smith, OSFS, Chaplain, Father Judge High School
For the past several years I have been bragging about my alma mater, Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, PA. What creative insight and imagination on the part of Judge’s leadership to create Career and Technical Education programs specializing in welding and automotive work. Not only do we need those kinds of skilled workers desperately in the world these days, but as my years teaching in the college classroom taught me: not everyone is meant for college.
These new directions at Father Judge and Nativity perfectly embody everyone’s favorite Salesian quote - “Be who you are and be that perfectly well” - because the opportunities they present honor uniqueness and diversity in exciting ways. So, when my classmate Fr. Vince Smith, OSFS, asked if I might be interested in creating a picture of good old St. Francis in Father Judge (FJ) athletic wear, I jumped at the chance. Like everything else in our post-pandemic society, the world of education has undergone major change and evolution. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, two recent visits to schools formed in Oblate spirit and charism have blessed me with plenty of Salesian optimism. These two uniquely terrific schools are living proof that even though our physical Oblate presence is no longer as strong as it was in the past, it is alive and doing very well.
Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS
Salesian Artist
Camden, NJ
