Annunciation B.V.M. School - Havertown, Pennsylvania

Letter from the School Administrators

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: A LIGHT FOR EVERY GENERATION AND WE ARE THE ONES TO KEEP THIS FLAME BURNING IN OUR TIME AND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS!








May, 2012



Dear Parents,

The focus on saints for May is two unlikely characters in tandem – St. Joan of Arc and St. Philip Neri. Although both people of God with tremendous faith and devotion, they seem to be two people at distant ends of the spectrum of saints. St. Joan of Arc was very much involved in the worldly affairs of France during her life. St. Philip Neri was very much detracted from worldly affairs throughout his life. However, both served God and his people through their lives.

St. Joan of Arc is best remembered for her involvement in the conflict between the English and the French. Her efforts rallied the French in protecting their land and their faith. St. Philip Neri is known for the Oratory he began, a place of prayer and study in the faith. Today there are Oratories in many dioceses throughout the world, including the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Oratory is located at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Philadelphia.

Both saints lead us to reflect on this month’s virtue of respect. They held God’s people in such great respect that the actions of their lives demonstrated to others the significance of every person as a child of God. Even in martyrdom, St. Joan of Arc did not disrespect those who had sentenced her to be burned at the stake. St. Philip Neri found time, any time of the day or night, to hear confessions. Both saints knew that how they acted showed their respect for God, creator and redeemer of all.

We are called this month to imitate the respect of St. Joan of Arc and St. Philip Neri for others in our lives. Whether in family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or strangers, we are invited to recognize Jesus Christ through them. Our response, like our patron saints for the month, is to continually strive to see past the visible persons and circumstances to the God who asks us to recognize him in those we meet. May St. Joan of Arc and St. Philip Neri guide us is this calling.



Sincerely,

Mrs. Mary Ann De Angelo
Principal

Mrs. Cathleen Lamberto
Assistant Principal