STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks was greeted by singing and dancing kindergarten and first-grade students Thursday as he arrived at Notre Dame Academy for a special campus visit that celebrated the school’s Catholic heritage and ties to the Congregation of Notre Dame.
The archbishop’s visit brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, religious leaders and community members on the Grymes Hill campus. Among those in attendance were Borough President Vito Fossella and his wife, Mary Pat Fossella, a 1984 graduate of Notre Dame Academy.
The day’s centerpiece was a Mass celebrated in Ryan Hall, where Hicks joined members of the Congregation of Notre Dame, the religious order that founded the school in 1903. Also attending were Province Leader Sister Maryann Calabrese; Associate Province Leader Sister Maria Cassano, a former Notre Dame Academy principal; and several other sisters from the congregation.
Welcoming guests, Notre Dame Academy President Kathryn Jaenicke reflected on the school’s history and its connection to Hicks, who attended St. Jude the Apostle Parish School in South Holland, Illinois, an elementary school founded by the Congregation of Notre Dame.
“The visit is especially meaningful to the Notre Dame Academy community because we share a special bond with Archbishop Ronald Hicks in that he attended a Catholic school led by the same religious community as ours,” Jaenicke said in a statement announcing the visit.
Jaenicke noted that Notre Dame Academy is marking its 123rd year and remains committed to the congregation’s mission of “liberating education.” She also highlighted student-created stained-glass artwork displayed throughout Ryan Hall.
During his homily, Hicks encouraged students to share the “good news” of their faith. Recalling his niece’s recent engagement, he said people naturally want to share joyful moments with others, comparing that impulse to the Gospel account of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth after learning she would become the mother of Jesus.
“When something really good happens, you don’t want to keep it to yourself. You want to share that good news with others,” Hicks said.
Following the Mass, invited guests toured the campus before gathering for lunch at Casa Belvedere.
Before departing, Hicks thanked students, teachers, staff, parents, benefactors and the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame for their role in Catholic education.
“Let’s follow that example of Notre Dame, Our Lady,” Hicks told attendees. “And when we have good news to share, go out and share it with all the world.”