There are many ways that the teachers at Saint Paul's Choir School aim to change the world: to sing with abandon, to practice their faith fearlessly, to share their intellect, and to read and write with great care and clarity of purpose. All of our students confidently rise to these lofty aspirations, but today two were recognized by the Archdiocese of Boston for their writing!
Xavier Maricich and Andrew Driscoll both won the Student's Contest this year! The essay contest asked children to consider how Saint Joseph acts as a role model for us all. Maricich won amongst all the seventh-grade entries in the Archdiocese; Driscoll amongst all of the eighth-grade entries.
Maricich wrote:
Saint Joseph is a role model because he shows humility, that is, an acknowledgment of who we are and our place in the world. As Saint Josemaria Escriva said, “Saint Joseph was an ordinary sort of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life.” Saint Joseph was a simple carpenter who God called to be the earthly father of the Son of God and Savior of the world. Despite this special gift, he never sought special treatment because he was raising the Messiah, nor did he think living a normal life in Egypt and Nazareth was beneath him. Instead, Saint Joseph raised Jesus in humble circumstances, teaching Jesus his trade and faith.
The two boys were recognized today at the Pastoral Center in a small reception for the winners (only nine total!) and their families. Praised by the Superintendent himself, Mr. Thomas Carroll, they were then asked sing the Repleatur -- on the spot! -- for the audience. Of course, they made us proud then, too!
In attendance were our headmaster, Dr. Thomas Haferd, and their exceptionally talented - and very proud - English instructor, Mrs. Catherine Barilleaux.
We offer our congratulations and gratitude to Xavier Maricich, Andrew Driscoll, their teacher Mrs. Catherine Barilleaux, and headmaster Dr. Thomas Haferd.