In recent weeks I have participated in several year-end meetings and rituals via Zoom. The experience, resiliency, and empathy demonstrated by the leaders of our Lasallian schools continue to impress me. One colleague noted that “transparency builds trust,” most especially during this recent pandemic year of leading, teaching, and learning. Modeling vulnerability is one primary way that I have witnessed this transparency in leadership, and I am grateful for the maturity, self-awareness, and discipline demonstrated by my colleagues in sharing so generously of themselves this past academic year.
This past weekend, my family and I attended a San Francisco Giants baseball game against my home-town Philadelphia Phillies. To be honest, it felt like the most normal thing we have done in nearly a year and a half. Along with our kids’ return to summer camps this week, our next big re-opening adjustment will be when our neighborhood library re-opens later this summer. I recognize our privilege of enjoying these types of activities while other societies around the world struggle with the danger and devastation of their local Covid-realities.
Lately I have been praying to Mary, the Mother of God, for her support and guidance. This picture is from the site of my office, which is located on the grounds of a beautiful retreat center in Napa, CA. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Keeping the Faith 