John Peter Michael McCann

[John is the youngest of ten. In his speech he will tell you about his educational struggles -- but his perseverance paid off during his senior year. Not only was he no longer "at the bottom of the class," he made Honor Roll twice (and Honorable Mention in this year's final average) -- with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Congratulations, John!]

Good afternoon, Br. Andre Marie, Sister Marie Therese, Sister Maria Philomena, Dr. Fahey, Dad, Mom, and all my family and friends. Thank you all for coming here to support me during this event celebrating a very important milestone of my life.

Graduation is an event that allows a student to look back and reflect on the journey he or she experienced during the schooling process. When I was analyzing my journey, I discovered certain elements, virtues, and emotions that I wanted to discuss.

Progress: (Advancement toward one’s goals, to develop or improve)

I never had an easy time with learning. I started off having to take kindergarten twice. When my parents realized that public schools were a danger to my spiritual well-being, my mother home-schooled me. I don’t blame her for my inability to learn; it was just there, and during those years of home schooling I fell behind . . . Really badly! My mother was able to school me herself for three years — until her life got complicated and she was forced to put me in a public school for the last quarter of that year. The board of directors decided to place me at a fifth grade level, accompanied by “special classes”. I couldn’t read or spell to save my life.

So, when I moved to NH, I was just a bit behind.

John studies his catechism

When I tested for Immaculate Heart of Mary School, I was at a second grader’s level. I knew about as much as your average seven-year-old. Now, I was twelve at the time, mind you. So, the Sisters put me in fourth grade. For a twelve-year-old to be told he is going to have to go to fourth grade — after he just completed his fifth grade — is pretty hard to take.

Christmas Play (John is the tall shepherd)

To add insult to injury, I was always the one who was behind. Every one else understood things quicker, got better grades, and beat me in the classroom competitions time and time again. This seemed like the common theme of my I.H.M. experience (barring my Senior year). But during these years of strenuous progression, I have received quite an education. I now have an understanding of Algebra, Grammar, Geometry, Church History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Latin, Rhetoric, American History, Literature, Trigonometry, Logic; I think you get the point!

All Saints' Day

So in short, this school has not only taught me an amazing amount of useful knowledge, but it also taught me to take difficulties and use them to improve myself giving me a stronger character.

Perseverance: (Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success)

Aside from being older then other students, I wasn’t able to get good grades. I tried my hardest — only to barely pass with less than average grades. But I did learn . . . slowly and painfully . . . but I did learn.

John, Clare, and Rose (seventh grade) in "Esther"

One of the things I learned was simple math. If I’m in fourth grade now… by the time I get to twelfth grade I should be . . . twenty! Aren’t people usually seventeen when they graduate? Ooooooh boy!  I did skip sixth grade, but I knew going into ninth grade that there was no longer any hope of skipping grades (due to the necessity of acquiring a certain amount of credits).

The McCann cleaning gene is showing up

Year after year of struggling as hard as I could, I continued to get very undesirable grades. I would always try and analyze my way out, for instance: “This couldn’t possibly be what God wanted me to suffer.” Eventually, I was fed up with it. (I was eighteen at the time.) It was the beginning of my junior year; I made up my mind to drop out. I was telling myself things, like: “There is always the G.E.D . . .  It’s not like I was throwing my life away. It seems to work out for other people. I am being responsible. I have a plain a plan. I going to get my G.E.D. and become an electrician’s apprentice in South Dakota. I’m just not meant to be in school any more.” (There was a girl in SD, of course; that made the matter all that much more urgent.)

On the USS Cassen Young

So, I told Sister Maria Philomena, in a very matter-of-fact way, that I wasn’t going to finish that year. She sent me to Sister Marie Therese.

Sister Marie Therese listened to what I had to say. She treated me like an adult, and gave me some good advice, and said she would respect my decision if it were well thought out. This was the catalyst that made me follow her advice to go on a retreat. I wanted everyone to respect my decision, and what better way was there than convincing everyone that it was God’s will? (Because, I already convinced myself of this, you see.) On retreat, I discovered that everyone else was right and I was wrong . . . what do you know! Reassured that what I was doing was good and profitable, I made a firm resolution to finish what I started; and, I haven’t looked back since. And let me tell you: now that I’m here looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Looking back (and sealing envelopes at the same time!)

Patience: (The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset)

Spelling Bees . . . Latin . . . Research Papers . . . Memory Items . . . Foot Ball . . . SPELLING BEES!!! Now, I’ll be the first on to confess that I was lacking in patience at times — especially on Fridays. But I did tolerate a lot of delay, trouble, and suffering in my I.H.M. experience. And, since there are troublesome hurdles in every walk of life, I’m really glad I had the extensive training in this virtue that I got. It was even conveniently worked into my curriculum.

A vicious villain (RBFF melodrama)

The Future: (The time or a period of time following the moment of speaking; time regarded as still to come)

As I already mentioned in my internship presentation three weeks ago, I’m going to begin my adult life in Kansas — where I will become an electrician. A couple of people asked,“ Why Kansas?” So, I’m going to explain my reasoning.

Science Fair

I believe it is prudent for a graduate to buckle down and take things seriously as soon as possible so as not to get caught in that weird “after-school-but-before-life” spell. So, as a solution or precaution against this danger, I’ve decided to jump on in and sink or swim. The drastic change of atmosphere will push me into taking my situation seriously and the lack of people taking care of my needs will make me anything but complacent.

Spelling Bee!

Aside from being a precaution against that “in-between-period”, there are a couple of things calling me to Kansas as well. There is family out there: my brother Tim and his family. This gives me a few advantages — one of which will be to give me a place to stay when I arrive, and Tim and I have a mutual understanding of how temporary the situation will be. Another thing is that Kansas’ living expenses are not as challenging as New Hampshire’s, so this will be an easier start for my initial years of self-support. And last but not least, there is a massive traditional Catholic community out there that I was very interested in seeing for myself. I would appreciate any and all prayers that could be spared for me in this very important transitional period in my life.

Graduating Class of 2010

Gratitude: (The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness)

When looking back at the whole journey, the primary emotion that I feel is gratitude. I have a great deal of gratitude — not only for the excellent education that I’ve received — but also for all the people who made it possible. The people who taught me, and people who helped me stay on course. And the only way I know how to express my gratitude, is to thank the parties responsible.

Sister Marie Therese: You are a wonderful principal, and you really helped me look at the choices I had to make, concerning my leaving or staying, with a logical mind-set. Thank you; I probably wouldn’t have finished if it weren’t for you.

The fastest boy in school!

Sister Mary Joseph: You taught me for my first year here (which was a very difficult one). I also wanted to thank you for my superior coloring technique and penmanship skills (which are due to your ruthless tutoring).

Brother Louis Marie: You were always a very needed relief during the very trying breaks. You were always there to crack a joke or remind me why I was there. Thank you for consistently elevating my intentions to a higher ideal.

John and Michael ('09) disecting a fetal pig

Sister Mary Peter: You taught me for my seventh grade year, and I’m afraid I was a bit of a troublemaker for you. But more importantly, you were always there to try and calm me down when my frustration built up within me. Some times I would avoid you when I was getting angry because I didn’t want you to cheer me up, but yet, somehow, you always found me. So, thank you for being there to calm the beast.

His real self comes out!

Sister Maria Perpetua: You taught me in both fifth grade and eighth grade, and it was your sweet manner accompanied with your strict discipline that enabled you to teach me so much. Thank you for making me write out the word “would” (as in should & could) eighty times. I can’t help but think of you every time I go to write it.

Professor: I’m glad I had you for at least one of my classes for each of the last six years. You always treated me like you actually enjoyed talking to me, and you were always willing to let me vent. I probably would have gone mad if you weren’t here to help me. Thank you for being more then just my wicked cool math teacher; you were also my friend – in whom I could trust without the slightest hesitation.

What will I do without John in the Blueberry Jammers?

Sister Maria Philomena: Four years straight! I’m not sure what life is going to be like without you for more than a summer. It almost seems like a sloppy divorce. You taught me more than I can generalize. One of the subjects I’m most grateful that I had you to teach me was religion, but there is no way I can express my deep gratitude for all that you’ve done for me. Thank you for giving and giving, day after day. Surely I wouldn’t be the man I am today if God didn’t give be the privilege of having you as my high school teacher.

Mr. & Mrs. McCann (front) at grad party

My parents: You not only paid for my tuition so I could attend this school, but you convinced me to keep on “keepin’ on.” I would like to thank my mother for doing her best to make sure I didn’t throw the opportunity of receiving the excellent education of I.H.M., and my father for teaching me — by example — dogged perseverance

The way I see it, the only way I can give anything back to all the people who gave me so much is to be the best I can be, share all the benefits the school has given me, and there by show the world what a great school I.H.M. is.

Agent 145-and-a-half in "A Case for Two Spies"

I am so glad that I had the privilege of an education at I.H.M. not only for the reasons I stated earlier, but, more importantly, I’ve acquired a dependency on daily sacraments, a habit I plan on preserving even in Kansas.

John with a relic of his patron saint

I can’t pretend to know exactly what my future holds, but, if things go as I would like them to, I will get married (sooner rather than latter), convince my wife to move to New Hampshire, and have many many children. I would be very happy to see all of them attend I.H.M.

Thank you.

Rose Marie Raphael Doucette

[Rose is the second oldest of eight children. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and a recipient of a partial college scholarship from the Knights of Columbus. She missed graduating "cum laude" by only two points -- her cumulative GPA being 86.5 (3.3). Congratulations, Rose!]

Good Afternoon: Brother Andre, Sr. Marie Therese, Sr. Maria Philomena, Dr. Fahey, Mother, Father, Brothers, Sisters, Family, Friends, and Fellow IHM Students. Thank you all for coming! I am here to tell you about something that is very important to me, and to you as well, I hope.

However, before I tell you of that important something, I would first like to tell you of my plans for the future. After I graduate today, my parents and I will be hosting a party at the Winchester Veteran’s Hall. Everyone is cordially invited to attend and enjoy some of my grandmother’s lasagna and a slice or two of graduation cake. There’s also going to be some great music. I hope you can all come!

Now, I will tell you of my plans for my future. I was accepted by two colleges: Magdalen and Thomas More, and I plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. After that, I’m going to try to get into a good Art college, where I can learn how to make children’s movies. I’ve seen a lot of children’s movies to date that are unfit for children’s psychological, religious, and moral growth. I don’t expect to stop the decline of movie morals by myself, but hopefully, if enough Catholic men and women learn the art of animation and other necessary skills [like script-writing and voice acting], we can see the day when better movies and books are circulated throughout American society. This is my most ardent desire, [after the triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart, of course] of which good entertainment will be an important part.

Graduate of the Class of 2010

Now, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and my educational quest so far. I’ve lived here in New Hampshire seven – no – ten years: I have been here at IHM from seventh grade to twelfth grade and received honorable mentions only twice. This may seem odd, but even though my grades were, on average really good, I always managed to be deficient enough in one thing or another (like fiddle practice!) that I missed honorable mention. [Rose didn't know it until she got her diploma a few minutes later -- but she made Honor Roll in the fourth quarter of her senior year!]

I have been the winner of the High school division of the Spelling Bee three times. I won first place in the 2009 science fair. I have participated in the Richmond Blueberry Fiddle Festival as both a singer, and a fiddler. In the Blueberry Bake-off, I won three ribbons: one second place ribbon, and two third place ribbons.  But all these things that I have done, I could not have accomplished if it weren’t for the people at Immaculate Heart of Mary School. In fact, if it weren’t for them, there wouldn’t have been any science fairs, spelling bees, or blueberry bake-offs for me.

I mentioned earlier that I had something important to tell you, I am going to tell you about it now. When I moved here, to New Hampshire, ten years ago, I didn’t have any of the things that really matter: neither friends, nor a correct understanding of history; not even a good understanding of my Catholic faith.

Rose with the pumpkin she carved for the Keene Pumpkin Festival

It was a blessing that I wasn’t sent to public school, which my mother frequently reminds me, where I might have grown into quite a rebellious child with an unchecked temper, and a destroyed faith.

As it was, I was already headstrong and rebellious. But underneath my outward bravado, I was actually seeking a peaceful place where my heart and dreams could soar.

My lousy attitude was not my Mother’s fault, she did her best to teach me, but I didn’t want to listen. My mind and heart were so confused that I started shutting everyone out, including her.

You see, when you’re homeschooled, you have no real reasons to leave home; all your classes, learning, and activities take place right in your own house. I could sleep in until ten o’clock, and finish my homework by twelve. I accomplished this by learning to skim the books for only the information I needed to finish my homework. This might seem great to my fellow classmates, but I couldn’t quite retain what I was learning. I simply was not diligent or disciplined enough.

Rose's first science fair

Before long, all of us [except, perhaps, my father who could leave to go to work] — all of us were experiencing a severe case of cabin fever which would not go away. I remember the days when Mother would go shopping, we would all crowd at the door, hoping to be the one chosen to go with her on her trip. Sometimes she took half of us. Other times, she took none of us, needing instead to take some time away from us- and we all understand why!

Days go by so slowly when you don’t have anything truly important to do. I spent my time reading books, visiting exotic and action-packed lands where at least something somewhat important was happening.

An innkeeper (Christmas Pageant)

But I longed for some real friends who I could talk to and who would talk back to me.

I read my entire town library out, but, when the good books were gone, I didn’t have any new places to go, so I turned to the video section of the library.

I watched every movie that my mother would allow, trying to find a way to get to the peaceful land where my heart would be content and joyful. I imagined myself in those places that I found in the movies, speaking to the characters and having many strange and weird adventures, but I knew, even then, that the land of peace was not there.

What a penance - to decorate gingerbread trees during Advent (when you can't nibble)!

Well, one day I heard my parents talking about a small private school that was very close by. It was Catholic, and there was Mass every day. It was a new place to go with many new things to do! I finally pestered my parents into sending me to Immaculate Heart of Mary School, so that I could at least have more people to help me search for my mystical land.

I met many wonderful people here, my friends, my teachers, all the wonderful families; it almost seemed too good to be true. But I was still so very blind, and I was far from recognizing that the entrance-way into my desired mythical land was already opened and waiting. It was waiting for the time when I would find it. But first, I had to learn how to read the signs that would point me towards the entrance, and I had not learned how to recognize them yet.

The Seventh/Eight Grade (Rose and John are in front)

I really can’t tell you how being around good friends can change you, but it did. I found that this small private school was just what I needed. I only ever really got punished once or twice, and then I really deserved it. Of course, for a long time, I couldn’t see much past the new sleep schedule I had to keep: six o’clock sharp every morning.

Rose in the Blueberry Jammers (RBFF 2008)

This was especially difficult for me, because, as you remember, I was used to sleeping in until ten, or even twelve o’clock. The curriculum was difficult for me as well, because I had never juggled so many subjects at one time.

Fridays were a highlight in my week, because two subjects were set aside so that we could learn music and art. These were very enjoyable, fun and easy things to do that didn’t require as much effort on my part. But, gradually I began to realize something important that I had been missing and trying not to think about too much: my religion.

Rose's first Spelling Bee

Being around a group of sisters, I had my first real example of traditional Catholic living. I learned about my faith not only through religion classes where I had many difficult questions answered, but also through the Church’s history and traditions that I had never seen or heard before.

It’s funny how God waits until just the right moment before He lets you realize something wonderful. I began to measure my life to that of the sisters. They were so sure of themselves: so full of laughter and joy and such hope, that I felt ashamed. I tried to sort out why I wasn’t like them, why my life suddenly felt so empty and dull and fruitless, and theirs was full of joy and confidence, and peace.

Laughter is good for the soul

By then, I couldn’t take it anymore; I wanted that peace too, the tranquil, glassy, calm, and silent lake of peace that I saw in them. But I didn’t know how. I read my religion, but I still hadn’t realized its beautiful message yet, the light bulb wasn’t connected to the switch I was toggling, not yet. I knew that heaven was wonderful, but I hadn’t yet realized that it was the only land where there is true peace and happiness: the only land where my searching would be done.

Then, one day at Mass, it happened. I looked at the Host on the altar, and my heart almost broke. I knew that He was there, really and truly, but I didn’t know Him. He was a complete stranger to me.  Yet, my Catholic faith told me that this Stranger

Visiting the Relic Room at St. Benedict Abbey (Still River)

deserves all my love and devotion. How impossible it seemed! Millions of questions and doubts arose like a dark stormy cloud in my mind. Truth seemed to get even further off than ever.

But something inside of me took charge and rallied. I couldn’t see anything through that cloud, but, somehow, I knew that I was not alone. I felt a presence, watching me, waiting for me in expectancy. There was a battle raging in and around me, a battle for my heart and soul, and I was to be the one to decide how it ended. But, how could I? I was too inexperienced and ignorant to know what to do. I sent an ardent plea for help, and was answered almost immediately. The storm ended almost as instantly as it had come, and all my doubts were settled.

After the Auriesville Pilgrimage

Why did God make us? To know, love, and serve Him in this life so that we can be happy with Him in the next life. I had my whole life to get to know Him. What better time to start was there than as soon as possible? That day was the first of many happy days spent here at St. Benedict Center.

Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to know why St. Benedict Center is important to me.  I am telling you about how your school, and by extension, your community has changed me from who I was to who I am. I want you to know how thankful I am, to all of you. This place has effected such a wonderful change in my life, that I almost consider it a second home.

This community has formed not just a school, but a family composed of all the wonderful people who work and support the Catholic faith.

Rose prepares to crown the statue of Our Lady in the chapel (May 2010)

I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for me to come here, and who’ve welcomed me into this family. I’d like to thank, first of all Father DiMascola, and Father Charles Higgins, as well as many of our benefactors who helped to pay for part of my schooling, and gave me another reason to work hard at my studies.

That's some make-up job!

A special thank my good friends: Clare Margand, and John McCann, whom I’ve known since I first came here. You really gave me that companionship I was looking for.

I would like to thank Sister Mary Peter, who was my first teacher, and to whom I apologize for all my antics, but from whom I learned many important things: like diligence. Well, I always meant to put my homework in my backpack, but it got lost somewhere in transit!

Next, I would like to thank Sr. Maria Perpetua, who taught me a lot of church history, and helped me to understand a little more about the way the Catholic Church works in the world. Gratias tibi ago, Soror!

On the USS Cassen Young

Thank you, Sr. Marie Therese, for starting the Sursum Corda Society. I am truly grateful for the books and the medal, and the spiritual help that this small group has given me. I am still trying to remember to return that book I borrowed!

I would like to thank my parents for letting me come to this school and for helping me to remember my homework. Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about the hole in my head for too much longer. And I would like to give a special thanks to my grandma who spent a lot of time and money to come out for my graduation.

On ice!

I would also like to thank Professor Grinstead for teaching me that math is not boring. That’s right, folks! Math is not boring!

I would also like to thank Sr. Maria Philomena, my high school teacher for four years, who was patient with me and my tomfoolery. Remember that one time when Cecilia said a word that supposedly melted wizards and I pretended to actually melt? First, I was dumped out of my seat, and then the desk fell on top of me! Well, at least it got a laugh. I know I couldn’t stop laughing for at least ten minutes after that.

Red & White Roses -- in honor of St. Philomena

{Here Rose presented flowers to Sister Marie Therese and Sister Maria Philomena.}

I would like to thank all my family and friends, and every member of Saint Benedict Center who have not only helped me, but also put up with my oddities and weaknesses. I am honored to graduate from this school!

Thank you!

Graduate of the Class of 2009

Good afternoon, Sister Marie Therese, Sister Maria Philomena, Mr. McManus, Mama, Papa, Brothers, Sisters, family, friends, and fellow IHM students.

Every graduation speaker wants his speech to be unique and personal in one way or another. I decided that the best way to make mine unique would be not to buy it online for $24.99, but to just write it myself.

I have attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School for the last eleven years. Eleven not twelve, because one year I went through two grades. The years which I remember most clearly were the last few, when I finally saw the end as something reachable, and not just something in the distance which would come along eventually. However thanks to the foundation laid by my earlier education, these last years I have been able to start appreciating what I had experienced. Realizing that it was meant to help me in high school and the rest of my personal life. Most likely I won’t ever have to use the periodic table, but the exercise of memorizing it had a much bigger purpose: that of helping to develop my brain and form my whole character by discipline, thereby perfecting the nature that grace builds upon.

Third Grade

If we take a closer look at what character is, we find that it is the strengths and weaknesses of an individual; his moral qualities. Now, education in the broad sense is just our development and experiences over time. This type of education never ends. But, if we use the word education as the formation of a person, then we are talking about the early years of life, when this person is still in school and his character and intellect are being formed. A major reason for having twelve years of school is so that the student has those crucial years to learn and absorb things as he will never be able to at any other time in his life.

At a smaller school, like IHM, I believe that it is easier to absorb and learn things because the teachers can spend more time with the individual student. With this scenario, the teacher can better know and understand each student, which then leads to caring more for the student and who he becomes.

Sister Marie Therese presents the diploma.

The little experience I have had with a large class was during Driver’s Ed. My time there seemed to reinforce the idea that when there are more students the teacher is less personal and the subject is more difficult to learn. I am grateful that I was not placed in such an environment for my academic education.

Here at IHM I have never had more that three teachers in a given year, and when I did the third teacher only came in on Fridays. So the education I have received here was very much directed towards me. This attention, which is paid to each student can be very annoying at times (because it means that it is harder for things to slip by), but the education is all the more effective, and that of course, is the end goal.

What a student!

But education is more than just learning the material and then being graded on it. What really can shape a person, for good or ill, are his influences. These influences can take many forms. For instance, his teachers, family members, classmates, friends, and also the characters in the books he reads. It is one of the jobs of a good teacher to be a role model for his students, and I definitely feel that the teachers at IHM have been very helpful role models for me.

At the Museum of Science

Self-sacrifice is something I have seen in all my teachers, I would like to particularly mention one. This teacher went beyond what was necessary and gave up other opportunities to teach here. Without this teachers help, my last five years would have been very different. I have spent a fair amount of time outside of school with this pedagogue and this has only helped to increase my respect and appreciation, hoping that one day I may be able to inspire others as he has inspired me. Thank you Professor.

Field Day Captain

Because of the strong character of my teachers here, I have been given the tools now with which to overcome any obstacles. Particularly winning the main fight I will have in this life, that of saving my soul. As Catholics we know the true means of achieving salvation. But with a good education, that of a firm foundation upon which all else can build, salvation can be an easier task.

Michael makes his promises as a Tertiary

I am going to continue my education at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. I hope to become more equipped not only for my personal future but also for the salvation of my soul. I have had many conversations with a number of respected individuals and this seems to be the best thing I can do at this time in my life.

Vaya con Dios!

As opposed to thanking everyone of everything they have ever done for me, let me say that yes, I am grateful, but more than that; I hope that with my life I may be able to help others as I have been helped. Thank you very much.

Mr. John F. McManus

By John F. McManus

[Mr. McManus has an amazing background in the Marines, engineering, and public relations. He has been the president of the John Birch Society since 1991 -- as well as a friend of the Center and Third Order member of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary since the 1970's. ]

Thank you, Sister, for the invitation.  Thank you, Brother Francis, Brother Andre Marie and all of you for keeping this place going, this oasis in the vast desert that surrounds us.

(Here he told a joke about the burglars who were interrupted in their thievery by a parrot.)

Burglars are stealing our country. Some are trying to steal our Church. We must not let either happen.

I’m delighted be here at this graduation. Right here we have a rather amazing young man in Michael Bryan. He has led his class in everything. Of all the graduates assembled here today, he is tops in science, in math, in literature, and in religious studies. There is no prize for the class of 2009 that he hasn’t won. Good for you, Michael!

What can I say to someone who is graduating from High School? Especially what can I say to a young person who is entering adulthood at a time when our nation is in deep trouble and in being controlled by men and women who, I believe, intend to make things worse? What to say to this young man who knows that the Church he loves is beset with enemies – even enemies from within?

What needs to be said is that God exists, and He wants everyone of us to save his soul and to be happy with Him forever in heaven. And to help us attain that end, God infused our souls at Baptism with the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

Much is said about Faith. In the Act of Faith, we express our belief in God, in the Trinity, in the saving act of Christ’s life and death, and in all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches. In other words, if the Church speaks authoritatively, that’s it. And this is well understood. This is our Faith.

Regarding the virtue of Charity, we express our love of God and our neighbor, forgive those who have injured us, and ask pardon of anyone we have injured. This, too, is well understood.

But what about the third of the three virtues we receive at Baptism? What about Hope? It is almost the forgotten virtue. But it should never be forgotten. The prayer known as the Act of Hope points the “hope” we should all have that through God’s mercy, promises, and graces, we can get to heaven.

I have always found it somewhat surprising that in the beginning prayers at Mass (Psalm 42), the prayers said at the foot of the altar, it is the altar server who tells the priest “Spera in Deo,” which of course means “Hope in God.” I guess the church knew that every priest needed to be reminded even by the boy serving his Mass that he should never cease hoping

St. Paul tells us in his Epistle to the Romans (8:24), “For we are saved by hope.” He immediately adds, “But hope that is seen is not hope. For what a man seeth, why doth he hope for?” In other words, if you have already seen and gained that which you hoped to gain, there is no more need for hope. This, of course, is a false view of hope. We can only hope for what we don’t yet have.

Consider this truth when you are accosted by someone who proudly but incorrectly claims that he has already been saved. He sees no reason for hope; he ignores what St. Paul has told us. He needs your help to know the Catholic attitude about hope, the true attitude.

I have frequently been accosted by someone claiming proudly to be a Christian. I am asked if I have been saved. My answer has always been, “I don’t know yet.” The questioner is usually somewhat stunned but then immediately concludes that I’m a Catholic. If he or she is willing to listen, I will say, “And you really don’t know whether or not you’ve been saved – yet.” Someone who believes that he has already been saved essentially denies free will and has no need of hope. But we all know that while we can be in the state of grace, we still have the capability of “blowing it,” of sinning and losing the state of grace. Let us all hope that we never do so.

It is perfectly proper – and well advised – to confidently expect that, with God’s help, we can reach heaven.  In fact, the object of hope is precisely that – achieving heaven. And it is also true that hope is necessary to achieve salvation. For without this theological virtue, we end up presuming on God.  I believe that to be sinful and dangerous.

One of my favorite passages in Scripture is the story of the wedding feast at Cana. It was Christ’s first public miracle. I’m sure everyone here knows what happened. But the lesson that I find in the recounting if this miracle isn’t usually stressed. Recall that the Blessed Mother went to Jesus and told Him that the host at the wedding celebration had run out of wine. She immediately told the attendants to do whatever Christ asked of them.

He pointed to several large urns and He told the men to fill them with water. They did so immediately. Then, he changed the water to wine. Also, he told the men to bring a sample to their superior.

What’s the lesson? It seems to me that Christ could have immediately filled the urns with wine. But he wanted the men to do everything they could do up to the point they could do no more. Then, he changed the water to wine.

This is what God wants of us – to do all we can up to the point we can’t do more – and then ask His help.

We must not presume on God. Presumption is a direct opposite of hope. And hope requires that we first believe that graces flood the earth, accept the graces, and then act as we should in any circumstance by doing our part to do good, avoid evil, and save our soul.

What about hoping for a secondary good, something other than attainment of heaven? Can we properly hope for things in the temporal order? The answer, according to the theologians, is yes indeed. But only if the things we hope for are means to reach the supreme end of human life – salvation. We can hope for a decent job, hope for peace in the world, hope for safety when in a dangerous situation, etc. We can even hope that the graduation speaker will soon finish his time at the podium!

If we hope for a decent job that will enable us to raise a family, we must take the steps to be prepared to be hired, or to start our own business. We can’t logically or legitimately presume on an employer, or on the public. We certainly should never presume of God.

It is true that Faith without works is dead. It is also true that hope with preparation is absurd.

Like faith and charity, hope is necessary for salvation. An infant receives the virtue (the technical term is that the virtue is infused) at Baptism. But hope can be lost through despair and, as already mentioned, through presumption. We who have the good fortune to have accepted the Catholic faith don’t give up; and we don’t presume. We don’t lose hope.

Can you imagine anyone saying, “Dear Lord, the world is a mess, even getting worse almost daily?  I beg of you, change things.” How absurd! How sinful!

Maybe you’ve heard about the man who prayed daily that he might win the lottery. Day after day, he stormed heaven, “Lord help me win the lottery. I’ll do good deeds with the money if you’ll help me win.” Finally one day, there was a clap of thunder and a voice from heaven said, “First, you have to buy a ticket.”

We hope that the crime of abortion will be terminated. But do we do everything possible to bring this about? Do we elect to right officials who will choose the right justices? Do we inform our congressmen that they have the power to remove the matter from the jurisdiction of the courts? Or do we leave the matter to God alone?

We hope that the Pope will direct the bishops of the world to join with him on a selected day to jointly consecrate Russia to the immaculate heart of Mary. But do we pray our rosaries for this intention? Do we write to the Pope and to the bishops about this request of Our Lady? Or do we leave the matter to God alone?

We hope that our nation will pull out of the current economic slowdown so that jobs will be available and our nation can remain independent. But do we do what can be done by us to get our leaders to reverse course and cease spending our nation into destruction? Or do we again rely on God alone?

Faith can be lost. Charity can be lost. So, too, can hope be lost. Don’t let it happen.   Always remember that the final object of hope is seeing God for all eternity. He will continue to send the graces we need so that, some day, we might meet Him face-to-face, a happy event that we can indeed hope to achieve.

So I say to you, Michael Bryan, congratulations and God speed. Maybe you will take with you a favorite phrase I use.  In Latin, it is: “Dum spiro, spero.” It means simply, “While I breathe, I hope.” Don’t ever give up hope.

Let me close with the very short Act of Hope that I suspect many here know very well. Anyone who wishes to do so, please join with me.

“O my God, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to attain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.  Amen.”

Thank you for the honor of having me here. I wish I could come more often.

May God be with you, Michael. Congratulations and God speed in all your endeavors.  Let us hope that we will meet soon again, and then some day in heaven.