A Letter From The Headmaster

Dear Malden Catholic Community, 
 
This spring has been a very difficult one for our school community.  The challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have erased what we considered normal for not just our school, but for all our families as well.  Our school community has gone above and beyond to meet those challenges, and we will finish the school year strong, enjoying the opportunity to celebrate the graduation events of our seniors in a way they richly deserve.  It is true that we see the strength of a community in its most challenging times. 
 
The events of this past week, however, where core human values have been violated in a starkly public way, remind us of even greater challenge.  That challenge is to maintain our ability always to love others as ourselves and to demonstrate the love and respect we all deserve, no matter our background, color, or beliefs.  It was with disbelief and horror that video footage showed the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of those sworn to uphold the law.  Mankind’s ability to do the unthinkable was caught for all the world to see. 
 
Today the funeral service for George Floyd will be held in Houston, Texas.  I encourage every person in the Malden Catholic community to pray for George Floyd and his family.  Their loss and the manner of his death is being felt throughout our country, and indeed, the world.  Although the actions that took his life cannot be undone, we know as people of faith that God’s work for justice rests in our hands.   May we allow the Lord to work through us: to help us see the needs of our world and to act justly in response to those needs.  With God’s grace each of us in our Malden Catholic community can help heal wounds similar to those inflicted on the Floyd family and help to close the gap at what divides our nation. 
 
Our Lord calls us to high purpose – to building communities of inclusion.  Our U.S. Catholic bishops exhort: “Let all know that racism is a terrible sin that mocks the Cross of Christ and the Incarnation. For the brother and sister of our Brother Jesus Christ are brother and sister to us.”  Similarly, our School’s Xaverian tradition calls us to universal compassion.  As Gospel people, we are called to love and to forgive.    Now, more than ever, may our faith come alive.  Let us ask our Lord what He would have us do.  May His workings in our hearts lead us to continued lives of compassion and forgiveness. 

May God’s peace be with each of us today and always,
 
John K. Thornburg 
 
 
Pope Francis says a prayer for George Floyd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K65q9AimtdM 
 
One of our parents kindly alerted me to a webinar hosted locally by MaldenCORE (Community Organizing for Racial Equality). Its topic: “Vigil for Black Lives Taken by Police and Condemnation of Police Brutality.”  This one-hour vigil will be held on Thursday, June 4th starting at 7:00 PM.  If interested, please click on the link below for details and to register: 
 
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v_RvboMwRguMnGK3e5dH3w