(Morning Prayer offered on the Public Address system for the entire La Salle Academy educational community on the final day of Catholic Schools Week, Friday, 30 January 2015)
Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.
Good Morning.
My name is Mike Montecalvo and I would like to thank Mrs. Naughton for inviting me to join you in prayer during Catholic Schools Week. I am a La Salle grad and the father of Brianna, who graduated in 2013 and Isabella, currently a sophomore at La Salle.
I am the primary News Anchor at WPRI 12/FOX Providence TV and over the course of my career I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to meet and interview hundreds of people from Tom Brady to President George W. Bush.
But the most rewarding part of my job is working with so many wonderful charities and telling the stories of everyday people who have made this state and world a better place.
One person is Sister Ann Keefe, who was a tireless advocate for those who had no voice—the homeless, destitute, lonely and infirm. Pope Francis has asked all of us to go forth and bring the light of Christ to the world. Sister Ann followed those words to the very end. Last week, she lost her brave fight to brain cancer but not before reminding all of us that we need to be there for one another—no matter the color of our skin or the weight of our wallet.
I learned that mission from my parents and it was reinforced here at La Salle. The Christian Brothers and faculty inspired me to always remember those in need and make a difference in the world. Whether I’m hosting an event for the Alzheimer’s Association, ALS Foundation or the RI Community Food Bank, I often talk about my experience here at La Salle and how a dedicated group of men and women influenced me to share my time and talent with others.
Today, that mission continues as students open their hearts to Jesus through Campus Ministry, Lasallian Youth, SADD, Pro-Life, Best Buddies and more.
My late mother would read her prayer book every day and this one passage comes to mind. “Let me realize that there are millions of persons, children of the same God and our brothers and sisters who are dying of hunger although they do not deserve to do so. Do not allow me to remain indifferent to their crying need to soothe my conscience with the thought that I cannot do anything about it. Help me to do something no matter how small.”
La Salle taught me and is teaching you every day that we can all do something about it.
My wish to you this Catholic Schools Week is to have your heart filled with Jesus’ spirit, his message of love to respect all life, help people who may be hungry, sick or lonely and to bring the light of Christ to the world.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle—pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts—forever.
Enjoy the remainder of your time here at La Salle.
Michael Montecalvo–Class of 1980