More than 300 Mater Dei Academy students dressed neatly in their school uniforms -- maroon or white polo shirts and khaki shorts for the boys and gray plaid skirts or jumpers for the girls -- filed quietly into Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Wickliffe on Aug. 31 for a Mass to celebrate the opening of the new school year.
They were excited because Bishop Nelson Perez, who was visiting the school, was the celebrant.
He pointed out the banner prominently displayed in front of the church that featured the school seal and goals: moral values, discovery and achievement.
?This is my first visit here and I want to hear from you what makes Mater Dei Academy so special,? the bishop told the students. Among the things they called out were teachers, the principal, priests, Mass and the students.
?That?s true,? Bishop Perez said, adding, ?A school without students is like a pizza without cheese.?
He told the assembly, which included teachers, staff, parents and some parishioners from Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Immaculate Conception parishes, that the day?s Gospel is about being ready. It was the story of a group of virgins who were awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom for his wedding feast. He was delayed and some did not bring enough oil for their lamps. While they were away getting more, the bridegroom arrived and those who were there went into the wedding feast. Then the door was locked. Those who arrived afterwards were not permitted to enter.
?I do not know you. Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour,? St. Matthew wrote in his Gospel.
?You must be ready and attentive to what?s around you. Be ready for changes that are taking place,? Bishop Perez said. ?Many of you are not wearing the same uniforms you wore last year because you grew,? he told the students.
?But did you know that you grew? Did you feel yourself growing?? he asked them. ?No. It just happened. All God asks is that you grow, listen, experience and be grateful to those who are the symbols and signs of God?s love for you. Be ready to experience things in fullness.?
The bishop asked the students to imagine eating a delicious meatball sandwich covered in sauce and with plenty of cheese. ?You should experience and celebrate God?s gifts every day like that,? he added.
He also made a deal with the students. ?You?ll be in my prayers. Will you keep me in yours? Is that a deal??
