Principal's Message
 

Dear Cathedral Parents and Guardians,

I want to pass along my thanks to Bishop Timothy Doherty of the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana who was with us on Wednesday to celebrate an all-school Mass. Though we physically reside in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis we currently have 145 students from the Lafayette Diocese as Cathedral students!

As we continue this important month of celebration and reflection, I am deeply moved by the opportunity we have to honor Black History Month here at Cathedral High School. This is a time not only to recognize the rich contributions of Black individuals to our society, but also to reflect on the many saints of African descent whose lives of faith, courage, and service continue to inspire and guide us as Catholic Christians.

Saints are more than just holy figures from the past—they are models of how we can live out our faith in the world today. During Black History Month, I encourage all of us to reflect on the lives of several saints, whose witnesses of holiness offer us powerful examples of resilience, faith, and love.

St. Augustine of Hippo

One of the most well-known saints of African descent is St. Augustine of Hippo. Born in North Africa in the 4th century, St. Augustine's journey to conversion is one of the most remarkable in Christian history. He struggled with sin and searching for truth, but through the grace of God, he became a brilliant theologian and bishop whose writings continue to shape Christian thought. His profound understanding of grace and his heartfelt prayers remind us of the importance of turning to God with an open heart, no matter our struggles.

St. Monica

St. Augustine’s mother, St. Monica, is another saint we should celebrate. A woman of great faith and patience, St. Monica prayed fervently for her son’s conversion. (Every parent understands this!) She exemplifies the strength of a mother's love and the power of persistent prayer. Her unwavering faith and hope remind us that God’s timing is perfect, and that our prayers, even when they seem unanswered, are heard by God.

 St. Martin de Porres

From the 16th century, St. Martin de Porres, born in Lima, Peru, to a Black mother and a Spanish father, is a powerful example of humility and service. Despite facing racial discrimination, St. Martin worked as a servant in a Dominican convent but became known for his extraordinary charity and miracles. He cared for the sick, the poor, and the marginalized, demonstrating the love of Christ in all that he did. His life challenges us to seek holiness in every vocation, and to serve with love, no matter our station in life. 

St. Josephine Bakhita

Another saint whose story speaks to the power of God’s grace in overcoming suffering is St. Josephine Bakhita. Born in Sudan, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery as a child. After enduring unspeakable suffering, she found freedom in Italy, where she converted to Catholicism and became a member of the Canossian Daughters of Charity. St. Josephine’s story is one of incredible resilience, forgiveness, and peace. Her life teaches us that even in the most dire circumstances, we can find hope in Christ.

Venerable Pierre Toussaint

Though not yet canonized, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, born in Haiti in 1766, is another model of holiness and faith. As a young man, he was brought to New York as a slave, but through his deep faith and hard work, he became a successful hairdresser and philanthropist. He generously supported the poor, especially orphans, and was known for his kindness and charity. His life is a reminder that true wealth comes not from material success, but from a heart dedicated to service and love for others.

St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

Finally, we honor St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, a group of young African men from Uganda who were martyred in the 19th century for refusing to deny their Christian faith. St. Charles and his companions were faced with unimaginable pressure and violence, but their courage in standing firm in their faith has inspired generations of Catholics. Their story reminds us of the power of conviction and the ultimate freedom that comes from living for Christ, even in the face of persecution.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us be inspired by these saints and their extraordinary witness of faith. Their stories remind us that holiness transcends time, culture, and race. They are models for all of us, regardless of our background, of how we can live out the Gospel in our own lives.

At Cathedral, we are blessed to be able to learn from these saints and the rich heritage of Black Catholicism. Let us take this month as an opportunity to reflect not only on the past, but on how we can continue their legacy of faith, service, and love in our own lives. And speaking of legacy, Cathedral has long honored her Holy Cross Value of Diversity and Inclusiveness. Our Holy Cross Values remain steadfast regardless of what's happening in the world around us.

May we, like St. Augustine, St. Martin de Porres, St. Josephine Bakhita, and all the saints of African descent, strive to live lives that bring honor to God and our community.

God bless you all, and may this month be one of deep reflection and renewed commitment to living out our Holy Cross Core Values that these saints exemplify.

God bless, 
Mark Matthews
Principal