The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church
Exciting things are happening in Catholic education, thanks to your support. But the horrific killings of Charlie Kirk and the students at Annunciation School in Minneapolis are still weighing heavily on my mind. Please know that our staff is praying with you for the victims and their families and teachers. And like you, we are dismayed and outraged by this great evil.
So much has already been said. Allow me to just add a few brief comments relevant to Catholic families and educators. I’d love to hear your thoughts, too! Send me a note in the enclosed envelope or to members@cardinalnewmansociety.org.
- Bad education is dangerous: Charlie knew where to focus his efforts: on college campuses, where the souls of many young people are corrupted every day. Too many schools and colleges are teaching radical ideology and encouraging moral depravity. They divide America and fuel hatred. You won’t see that at faithful Newman Guide schools and colleges. We need them more than ever!
- We aren’t made for this world. Despite the risks, Charlie’s focus was on eternal life with God. That hope should imbue Catholic education. We can be consoled that the Annunciation schoolchildren died receiving the grace of the Mass and knowing and loving God, which was the purpose of their lives. But how many Catholic schools can’t find time for Mass? How many conceal knowledge of God when teaching “secular” subjects?
- Keep striving for reform: Intolerance toward Christians and the family is clearly rising among young people like the shooters in both incidents. John Henry Newman warned that authentic Catholic renewal—he called it a “Second Spring”—can be preceded by dark clouds and even violent storms. Without compromise but with charity, you and I must keep pressing for faithful Catholic education. You may have noticed the red bar in The Cardinal Newman Society’s logo is the color of the Cardinal’s zucchetto, which signifies the blood of Christ whose truth, love, and redemption are the firm foundation of authentic Catholic education. It also signifies the blood of the Christian martyrs, whose courageous witness to Christ is the model for every Catholic student.
- We need more Charlie Kirks. Charlie once said, “I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith.” Every Catholic child and young adult should be formed in faith, courage, and wisdom to become an inspiring witness to the truth. What is the best way to form such witnesses? Lifelong, faithfully Catholic education.