Winners, Grades 9-12

Grand Prize Winner
Rachel Elliott, Grade 10
Baden, PA
Seton Home Study School, Front Royal, VA
Name of Priest: Fr. Joseph Newell

St. Francis once said that if he were to meet an angel and a priest on a road, he would hail the priest first and kiss the ground on which he had walked. As Christ revealed to Catherine of Siena, priests “are My anointed ones…I call them My Christs, because I have given them the office of administering Me to You…The angel himself has no such dignity, for I have given it to those men whom I have chosen for my ministers, and whom I have appointed as earthly angels in this life.” These quotes beautifully illustrate the "venerable dignity of priests, in whose hands the Son of God becomes incarnate anew” (St. Augustine) and the tremendous grace that is bestowed upon them. So much grace is poured upon a priest on the day of his ordination that it is enough to transform him into a hero, Jesus Christ. Some priests do not use this grace, but most do. Here is a story of a priest who does use the grace that was given him; it is the story of Fr. Joseph Newell.

The Catholic parish of rural Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s was composed of a handful of parishioners who gathered every Sunday to celebrate Mass in the local Fire Hall. Assigned to this small parish was a young Irish priest with jet black hair and a skip in his step. Over time this parish has grown into a large parish with over 5,000 families and still the spunky priest remains, giving cheer and advice to his parishioners. He is a true father, a priest both compassionate and firm; a man with an Irish heart and an Irish backbone! He has devotion to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and is daily seen praying in front of the tabernacle. He is a true son of Mary and prays her rosary everyday.

He hears confessions whenever he can, saying after each daily mass, “I’ll be available for confessions.” It is in this sacrament that he truly ministers to his people. Once when hearing confessions a lady came to him burdened down with much suffering. Moved by her troubles Father asked her if she was Irish, to which she replied yes. Then from the confessional came the voice of Father Newell, singing the song, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”. The lady walked out with a grin on her face and a lighter heart.

As a preacher Father Newell never short-changes the Truth. He doesn’t shrink from preaching on subjects that are “politically incorrect”. Once he preached that youth sports events should not scheduled on Sunday morning because this prevents many people from attending church. He was then interviewed on T.V. on this subject, and he delivered his message without watering it down for the public. This “straight talk” however is given in such a kind way that the people do not feel like they are being “preached down to”. And in all his sermons there is a delightful shot of Irish wit!

These things have made Father Newell a sort of celebrity; his birthday was named a holiday by the township and there is a street named after him, “Newell Boulevard”. But what truly makes him a hero in my eyes is the wonderful way in which he has ministered to my family. He instructed my father in the Catholic Faith, baptized him, gave him his First Holy Communion, heard his first confession, and confirmed him. He married my parents in the Church and blessed our house. He enthroned the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our home, and consecrated us to Him. He blesses our medals, scapulars, and rosaries and is our family’s confessor. He visits our home and shares with us the story of his meeting Padre Pio, visiting Rome, and meeting Pope Paul VI. He encourages us in our home school, and always has a smile for my sister and me.

Much more could be said of Father Newell, and it would all be good! But from the stories already told it can be seen that he is a priest who has and is using the graces he received on his Ordination to mirror Christ to his people. Through his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and Mary, his healing in Confession, his preaching the Truth, and his ministering to my family one can clearly see that Father Newell truly is using the graces of the priesthood to transform himself into Jesus Christ, the greatest Hero of all History!

2nd Place Winner
Elizabeth LeBlanc, Grade 9
Linden, MI
St. Thomas More Academy Catholic School, Burton, MI
Name of Priest: Fr. Erpelding

Entering St. Rita’s Church, I see so many familiar faces. I see the nuns who used to teach my siblings, the priest from our old parish, previous attendants of our school, and many others whom I had not seen for years. These people bring with them memories long forgotten, each one so different from the next. Yet one smiling face shines in the background of each memory, that of Fr. Martin Erpelding. He united us in this small chapel for the celebration of his life and the mourning of his death. Fr. Martin always desired to go through life unnoticed so that those who met him could look beyond and see Christ instead.

Fr. Martin entered the world on August 20, 1916; he attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, and Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Northwood, Ohio. On May 30, 1942 Fr. Erpelding dedicated his life to the church through the priesthood, the greatest gift anyone could offer. He served for a number of parishes in Detroit from 1942 to 1990. Fr Erpelding entered the life of my family about fifteen years ago. My parents, hearing of a devout and orthodox priest by the name of Father Erpelding, began attending Mass at his parish, St. Rita’s. In 1990 he retired; during that time a newborn school named St. Thomas More Academy was looking for a chaplain, and Fr. Erpelding gladly accepted the challenge. He celebrated daily Mass at my school, St. Thomas More Academy, from 1990-2001. He brought a ready smile, his deep devotion for the Eucharist, and his warm-hearted kindness to every Mass. In 2000 Fr. Erpelding had a stroke and for two years he suffered. On November 3, 2002, the feast of St. Martin de Porres, Fr. Erpelding departed from this world and entered into his eternal reward.

As I sat in the small chapel waiting for the funeral procession to begin my mind wandered among the unforgettable memories of Fr. Erpelding from my childhood.

One fateful day in the spring of 2000, Fr. Erpelding suffered a stroke while saying daily Mass at our school. Despite his life-threatening condition, Fr. Martin refused to leave until he finished celebrating Christ’s Body and Blood. The ambulance drivers and nurses looked on from the back of the chapel reverently as this frail old man proceeded to celebrate the Mass. As I watched Fr. Martin he seemed to change from a frail old man to a strong, faithful, and devoted priest. For the first time I realized the true meaning of the priesthood, a representation of Jesus on earth. The thought of dying on that altar, as Jesus did every day, probably caused Fr. Erpelding to remain there and finish his duty as a priest. Fr. Martin not only fulfilled his obligation, he set a lasting example in my heart that will remain there for the rest of my life.

Fr. Erpelding fell in and out of sicknesses for nearly two years after his stroke. Two days before he died, my mom and I visited him. Father’s emaciated face was barely recognizable; the doctors knew he would not last much longer. During our visit I related to father a story that I remembered about him. When Fr. Erpelding was preparing our class for Holy Communion he told our nervous group that when receiving the Body of Christ we should stick our tongues out very far because this was the only time we could stick our tongues out at a priest. Fr. Martin had immediately released our nervous jitters with one small joke from his kind person. Back in his small hospital bed Fr. Erpelding smiled, not an ordinary smile, but an infectious smile that radiated around the room in an instant. There could be a million reasons why God kept Fr. Erpelding alive for two years after his stroke, but this simple reassuring smile was enough of a reason for me.
Our culture projects a false, shallow image of the perfect superhero. They portray a man flying through the air from burning building to burning building rescuing those in distress. Here in the real world our Maker gives us a wider spectrum of heroes, ranging from meek little nuns in poor third world countries to firemen who unselfishly risk their lives for unknown victims. Father Erpelding is my hero because of his profound example, his sincere desire to go unnoticed, and lastly his kind and humble spirit. He entered heaven “trailing clouds of glory” beyond our imagination.

3rd Place Winner
Elizabeth Malone, Grade 11
Edgewood, NM
Homeschool
Name of Priest: Fr. Scott Mansfield

Imagine being told that your new pastor and archdiocesan vocations director was once a disc jockey. This priest, Father Scott Mansfield, has come a long way! Since his appointment this June, my parish has realized that this reverent, orthodox, and energetic priest - and former DJ - is undoubtedly one-of-a-kind. To me, Father Scott is one of the most heroic priests I’ve been privileged to know.

Ordained fairly recently, Father Scott has an obvious love for our Catholic Church and an incredible understanding of her teachings. In addition, Father Scott has a great sense of humor. But his two qualities that stand out the most are his defense of human life and his dedication to young people. One minute our priest is delivering an unambiguously pro-life sermon, and the next, after Mass, he can be found playing football with the altar boys.

Father Scott is serious about defending the unborn. In these past five months, he has preached several times against the sin of abortion. He prays at each Mass for an end to the “contraceptive and abortive mentality.” But Father also puts the pro-life doctrine into practical terms. He offers the forgiveness of the Sacrament of Reconciliation to post-abortion mothers and fathers, and he supports the efforts of the parish Respect Life group. During the recent political campaigns, Father Scott preached on the responsibility of the Catholic citizen. He could not legally endorse any candidate from the pulpit, but he was allowed to distribute the voting records of the candidates. So two weeks prior to the elections, parishioners found fliers of the voting records inserted in the bulletins. During the media coverage of the campaigns, he was quoted as saying, “I say as Catholics we have an obligation to defend and protect human life, including at the voting booth.” His stand was rejected and ridiculed by many, but Father Scott doesn’t waver on the issue of abortion.

Father’s relation to youth is equally inspirational to me. How many priests would sit by an elementary school kid and ask him how he’s doing, attend a parish Bible study for teens, or throw a football with kids after Mass? Father makes an excellent vocations director because he relates so easily to young people. Once, he walked into a teen Bible study and told the boys that they should all become priests! He is constantly encouraging vocations to the priesthood or the religious life, telling young people to take God’s call seriously. Father Scott also makes sure teens are clear on issues of morality. He has been known to quiz children on the truths of the Catholic Faith. But when anyone doubts Father’s ability to have fun, he need only watch him orchestrating a game of catch. This throw’s worth 500 points, Father shouts as the eager young parishioners scramble for the ball. As a teenager, I can appreciate Father’s authentic concern for us young people. He reminds me of St. John Bosco, who once said, “Let the boys chop wood on my back, as long as they don’t sin.”

Although I’ve only known him for the past several months, Father Scott Mansfield’s courage and dedication are really an encouragement to me. Father is exceptional in his work for the unborn and for youth. These are two areas that have often been neglected, but Father Scott works to change that.

I am grateful for a parish priest who knows the Faith and is not afraid to fulfill his duty to teach it. In these trying times, he represents the best in the Catholic priesthood. Father Scott Mansfield catches people’s interest with his DJ claim to fame, but he holds their attention and inspires them to sanctity with his love of God. Father Scott is a hero for God and the Catholic Church.

4th Place Winner
Jillian O'Leary McVicar, Grade: 9
Dedham, MA
Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Dedham, MA
Name of Priest: Fr. Juan R. Velez

I have a hero. He can not climb walls, walk on ceilings, or jump across tall skyscrapers; nor is he adorned with a gallant, red cape of strength around his neck. He does not leap into burning buildings to rescue young children and household pets. No, my hero was not last seen in the latest Steven Spielberg movie, saving the poor and helpless youths of Metropolis. You may not read about him in novels or magazines, and you probably do not have signed photos and posters of him hanging on your bedroom walls. Still, he is a hero, and his name is Father Juan R. Velez. ‘

It was a typical August day at our beach house in Cape Cod, until my mother told me that a friend would be coming over for a brief visit with our family in the afternoon. Little did I know, that after that day my feelings toward God and prayer would be forever changed and strengthened in a beautiful way that I had not anticipated.

When he arrived, I was shocked to see not only a priest, but one with a Roman collar on top and running sneakers on the bottom. I had never thought about how a priest might dress when relaxed. In my mind, he only existed at mass, or school, or confession; attired in serious, black, clerical garb, but sometimes other colorful vestments. I was so intrigued and humored by these sneakers which tried to say he was one of us that afternoon. It touched me when he immediately placed into my small, surprised hands, a little box that contained a delicately painted-blue plate of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Though I didn’t know who she was then or recognize her beauty and significance, he was eager to tell me and kindly overlooked my ignorance. He was my teacher at that moment.

After his brief visit, I decided to write him a thank-you for his present. Since he knew I liked to write poetry, he replied with a suggestion to try and incorporate God and my faith into my poems. I wrote the following poem for him, which became the first of many:

BEDTIME PRAYERS

A young girl kneels down beside her bed.
The sun is setting in the East.
Folding her hands so carefully together
She shuts her eyes and begins to pray.

Escaping into another world:
A world of angels dancing madly around her God
The small, young child graciously says her thanks
Then tiptoes back into bed.

Over the next year, Fr. Juan continued to be an influence in my life, even though he had moved to Princeton, New Jersey, and I did not physically see him anymore. He knew and understood my passion for writing, particularly poetry, and encouraged me to weave more of my beliefs into my writing. He suggested many other topics and I eagerly wrote about some of them for him, though sometimes I chose my own topics: The Beauty in the Simple Things, God’s Children, God’s Beauty, Those Who Believe and a special one for Christmas that I know he liked On That Holy Night. They all stressed the magnificence of God and the beauty of our Catholic faith. His encouragement gave me the perfect place where I could think, pray, and talk with God in a way that was easier for me, through my writing. He was inspirational.

My parents also seem to have been affected by Fr. Juan. My mother said that his quiet influence helped her to recognize the importance of guiding my father to convert to Catholicism last year, which significantly changed all of our lives and brought us closer together as a family. It is wonderful to now have my dad accompany my mother and me to Mass. Later, Fr. Juan also suggested books for the family to read, trying to steer us in the right direction towards holiness and sanctification. He was not pretentious about his own vast knowledge, but quiet and humble, though we all knew he had written and read a great deal himself.

I have learned and gained a great deal from my hero’s Christ-like spirit of kindness, friendship, love, and generosity. And while this priest may never appear on the cover of an entertainment magazine or headline a newspaper, perhaps some day we will see his face gracing the cover of a Holy Card.

5th Place Winner
Laura Hall, Grade 11
Petaluma, CA
Kolbe Academy Catholic School, Parish, Napa, CA
Name of Priest: Fr. Thomas Parenti

A somewhat rotund man with a face full of laughter and a shiny bald crown, ambles across the parish parking lot, his faithful dog Wilhelmina at his heels. Father Thomas Parenti is neither tall nor short, but nevertheless has a commanding presence. He is often seen around the parish grounds, a shepherd with his loyal sheepdog, tending his pastures.

I came to know Father Tom as a young immigrant of eight. He had recently been appointed pastor of St. Sebastian’s. Strictly speaking, we did not live within the boundaries of the parish, but soon after our arrival in the United States it was more convenient one Sunday to go to St. Sebastian’s. Although I seemed to be the only child in the congregation, this did not concern me in the slightest, for I felt at home there, and so did my mother. After Mass we spoke to Father Tom and he was immediately so welcoming, that we decided from that Sunday to become parishioners of St. Sebastian’s. To me he was always the epitome of St Nicholas in generosity. When he grew his beard he became physically the embodiment of Santa Clause, exuding warmth and joviality. This approachability I am sure was one of the many reasons why, within months of his arrival, many more families with young children were coming to celebrate the Eucharist at St. Sebastian’s. His appeal was universal to old and young alike.

Gentle in spirit, Father Tom however, just like Jesus, was no crowd pleaser. He always spoke the truth firmly, with a confidence which was founded on his strong beliefs. He knew what God wanted of him and did not balk at spelling out to the congregation their duty to God, especially on controversial topics within the Church. One Sunday he incorporated into his homily the information that he had received anonymous letters from parishioners, complaining about some of the changes he had made in the parish. In strong terms he stressed that if anyone had any complaints to come and talk to him directly or at least have the courage to sign his or her name.

One reason why Father Parenti is my hero, is his success at nurturing and caring for the spiritual health of his flock. Twice on Wednesdays together with the director of religious education he lectured on the New Catholic Catechism. In addition he was very involved in the CCD program of the parish, always teaching one of the classes himself. As I have already mentioned, he was a very powerful homilist; as a child I particularly remember his words about the importance of saying ‘Amen’ with conviction when receiving the Eucharist.

A further illustration of Father Tom’s concern for the spiritual health of the parish and of his unwillingness to bow to popular opinion, is his support and encouragement of the involvement of his parishioners in Birthright. Not only that, but he created the Avenue of Life at the side of the Church. To inaugurate this, he invited families as well as single parents and unmarried mothers, who had experienced loss of infants through stillbirth, crib deaths, and particularly through abortion, to participate in a memorial service. The name of each child was buried on a plot on the Avenue of Life and saplings were planted along the Avenue as a symbol of life.

On a personal level, Father Tom has a special place in my heart for his interest in me as an individual. One day I happened to mention I was making a pair of rosaries and I was lacking a cross. The next time I met him, he provided me with a small crucifix, so I could complete the rosary. On another occasion he took me, with my parents and adopted grandparents, to play miniature golf. I’m sure he let me win, although I didn’t think so at the time.

Jesus was the Good Shepherd who showed great compassion and concern for the people who flocked to hear him. He told the parable of the shepherd who would leave his flock in search of the one lost sheep. Similarly Father Parenti made me feel special and by his example taught me to care and have concern for others, to be mindful of the needs of others, and most of all to stand up for the truth, the Catholic faith.

 

6th Place Winner
Julian Lizzio, Grade 10
Hartland,MI
St. Thomas More Academy Catholic School, Burton, MI
Name of Priest: Fr. Benedict Groeschel

Fr. Benedict Groeschel is a wonderful priest who deserves to be called a hero. He has a doctorate in psychology and is widely recognized as a retreat master. He has also written a vast number of books. As a person, Fr. Benedict is loving and strong. His eyes and smile show love to all around him. He also has a great sense of humor, loving to joke with young people. My parish, Holy Spirit of Hamburg, Michigan, had the honor of having Fr. Benedict come to our yearly mission. His preaching was amazing. Fr. Benedict spoke with power and authority. When he was coming out of the rectory, my youth group and I formed a human chain around the rectory and said we would not let him through until he gave us a blessing. Fr. Benedict started to shoulder rush us, stopped at the last second and gave us his blessing. Before the closing Mass of the mission, where I was serving at the altar, I was standing with Fr. Benedict in the sacristy. He asked another server and me how old we thought he was. I said he was seventy-five. The other server said he was sixty-seven. Father smiled at the other server and said: “Good boy, I’ll be sixty nine in November” then he looked at me and said “Seventy-five? I ought’a brain ya”. Whatever his age, Fr. Benedict has plenty of fight left in him.

Heroism is by definition, an action that is beyond the necessary good and often involves risk. Fr. Benedict fills definition this completely. His story is one of true care. Seeing their neighborhood in the Bronx collapsing around them, a group of Capuchin Franciscans asked permission to start a new order to work with the poor more closely and to carry out evangelization in a more direct way. They bought a burned out tenement building next door to a church, and began to develop the order now known as the CFRs, the Community of the Franciscans of the Renewal. The order promised to follow the example of Padre Pio by performing daily acts of repentance and reform. The order was to concentrate on their own personal renewal and the conversion of others. Fr. Benedict showed great courage by staying in the Bronx as the neighborhood grew steadily worse. So dedicated are the friars that Fr. Benedict included a rule in their canon that makes the friars move to a worse neighborhood if the current one improves. Fr. Benedict traveled the streets of New York preaching to all. Now he preaches to the entire world by traveling and giving missions, often at parishes. Fr. Benedict often appears on Mother Angelica Live and other EWTN programs, spreading the message of his order throughout the world.

Fr. Benedict heroically suffered the indignities of being arrested in 1995 for the sake of unborn children. Fr. Benedict with the retired bishop of Raleigh, Virginia, George Lynch, and Friar Fidelis blocked the entranceway to the Women’s Medical Pavilion in Dobbs Ferry. The policeman he had known all his life treated him like garbage in jail. Fr. Benedict and his companions were strip-searched three times in within twenty-four hours. Despite this horrible experience, Fr. Benedict continues to pray in front of abortion clinics every chance he has.

Fr. Benedict is a passionate, earnest preacher who will say what needs to be said without fear of what others think. He has courage in his preaching. What Fr. Benedict says in his preaching reflects his education. His intelligence and insight give him an astonishing grasp of current events and their meanings.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel clearly deserves to be called a hero. He has dedication, the will to serve, the spirit of self-sacrifice and courage. These are the qualities of a hero.


7th Place Winner
Ruth Marrocco, Grade 11
Wayside Academy, Peterborough, ONT, Canada
Name of Priest: Pope John Paul II This priest is the most heroic priest of all the priests in the world. He was born in Poland in 1920 on May 18th. His mother’s name was Emialia Kaczorowska and his father’s name was Karol Wojtyla and his brother’s name was Edmund. In 1929 his mother died. In 1932 his brother died and in 1941 his father died.

He has helped me a great deal with my faith. He loves us youth and has faith in all of us. The thing I appreciate most about him is his forgiveness. He was shot on May 13, 1981 at 5:19 pm. After he spent six hours in surgery, the next year recovering from his wound, and many more operations, he recovered. He had a lot of courage and forgiveness in his heart because after he recovered from the gun shot wound he went to the jail where his attempted murderer was and forgave him. So if somebody hurts me in some way or another and I find it hard to forgive that person I look at him and think that if he can forgive the man who wanted to kill him I should be able to find forgiveness in my heart and then I forgive that person who hurt me.

He has inspired me by his courage, determination and love for the youth. He is 82 years old and has Parkinson’s disease, but he still makes engagements whether they be in the Vatican, Mexico or Poland. I look to him when I have a headache or I am really tired and do not feel like going to school that day. He also has a lot of determination. At World Youth Day 2002, he was determined to walk down the steps of the airplane and he did. Also, his love for the youth inspires me. He started The World Youth Day series in 1985 in Rome and has been to every one since even through heat, rain and cold or even if he has to travel half way around the world. When he was younger he used to take groups of young people hiking, skiing or walking in the woods and would talk to them. I had the privilege of going to World Youth Day in Toronto and seeing that smile on his face really inspired me and I could see how much he loved the youth and enjoyed being there. It helped me to know that he loves us a lot and he is praying for us all.

I also had the blessing of being able to go to Rome for the closing of the Holy Door. He passed by in his “Pope-mobile” about 3 meters in front of me. It was such a great experience for me that I can not put words down to describe it. It was amazing and it made me feel like I wanted to spread the Catholic Faith to everyone and say how great being a Catholic is.

He is also very humble. When he was elected Pope in 1978 he cried, thinking he would not be good enough to be Pope.

This priest is my hero; he is Pope John Paul II.

8th Place Winner (Tie)
Amy Danielle Waddle, Grade 10
Palmyra, NE
Homeschool, Palmyra, NE
Name of Priest: Fr. Joseph Kentenich

Father Joseph Kentenich is the hero in my life. Although this priest died before I was born, he has been the greatest influence in the formation of my life. With Father, I have learned valuable lessons and my life has never been the same since I first learned of his love for Mary. However, in order to truly appreciate Father Kentenich’s influence on my life I like to think of what my life might be like without his wonderful example and teachings on love; and also, what my life has turned out to be--a gift from God and for God.

If only I could remember the first time I heard about Father; it must have been around the time when I was seven or eight years old, and my earliest feeling for Father was one of childlike affection for the sweet old man with the long white beard whom I had seen in pictures. I grew to love Father solely because of his love for Mary and her Son. Having spent many happy weeks at the Shrine of our Mother with sisters belonging to the order Father Kentenich founded, I came to know him not merely as a great founder and religious leader but as a friend and father. One of my sweetest memories of the Shrine is that of the sisters talking to Father. They speak to him often; whenever they encounter problems, little problems like not having enough time to finish a job, not being able to find a kitchen utensil or the notes on a talk they are giving, or just talking to him to tell him that they are thankful. Now, I can talk to Father in the same way and I know he takes
all my problems to our Mother.

Fads, fair-weather friends, and a disregard of family might have been my lot in these important teen years if Father had not been there to guide me gently on the path I should go. Before I knew about Father Kentenich, the founder of the religious movement known as Schoenstatt, I loved God and the Church; and yet, sometimes I doubt if I would have been able to stay in love without Father. Many friends from my first school years are different than me, and I know that Father’s prayers have protected me from going astray. At times, when I am assailed by temptation, I remember what Father has taught me; that is, to bring all my troubles to the Mother Thrice Admirable and her beloved Son, Jesus. However, without Father’s shining example of love for Mary and Jesus, I could easily have gone astray.

Spending two weeks in places that Father Kentenich walked has added to the devotion I feel for our Mother because the places were shrines in her honor. Father gave his entire life to our Mother and her Son--how can I do less? The difference Father has made in my life is really too great for words, and I will never really know until I meet him in heaven. Nonetheless, I do know some of what he has done and all of what I know is wonderful. Besides keeping me from evil, Father has guided me slowly and surely to a love for Jesus
and Mary that continues to grow day by day. Father’s love has led me to a vocation also of love--that of a cloistered nun. As I prepare for the time when I shall enter Jesus’ love as His bride, I continue to follow Father’s guidance and his message of love.

With my hand in Father’s, I turn my face heavenwards in heartfelt thanks for the love Mary has shown me through her servant, a little German priest named Father Joseph Kentenich. For all of my life, I will remember that it was Father’s love that brought me to a fuller love of our Mother and her little Child; a love which I pray will eventually bring me to heaven to be by their sides.

8th Place Winner (Tie)
Teresa Maria Fasanello, Grade 9
Bloomsbury,NJ
Homeschool
Name of Priest: Fr. Mark Kehoe

Among the many wonderful priests friendly with my family, there is one in particular who truly deserves the title of “hero.” Fr. Mark Kehoe is definitely a super hero. He even saves lives, both spiritual and physical!

Like all priests, Father has the supernatural powers bestowed on him through the Church, the powers that enable him to heal, nourish, and raise to new life the spiritual lives of the souls under his care. In the confessional, Father must surely have in mind at all times that he is representing God Himself and His infinite mercy. I don’t think there has ever been a time when anybody felt uncomfortable confessing to him. On the contrary, Father’s compassion and kindness are beautiful to behold, and truly worthy of the title, “Father.” When leaving his confessional, all penitents surely feel greatly consoled, and reassured of the fact that God loves them. I know I’ll never be afraid to go to him in Confession. Without the priesthood, and especially without priests like Fr. Mark, surely heaven would be far less full because of unrepentant sinners! Father says Mass with the honor and dignity befitting a representative of Christ, as he is. He handles the Body of our Lord with great reverence. And Father’s homilies express such beautiful words of advice for the spiritual life, that his words truly are an echo of the words of Jesus. Father is a great encouragement to all to ‘come again’!

In his parish, many of the people are poor. Father helps them in every way he can, much like the saint he greatly admires, Mother Teresa. An example of this was when one early morning, Father noticed an elderly couple in poor clothes, sitting at the curb. He went over to them, and, after a bit of friendly conversation, found out that they were homeless. Before the day had passed, they were signed up to receive housing in a comfortable apartment, thanks to his concern. Who knows what would have happened to them in that rough neighborhood had he not offered his assistance and taken them inside! This is only one of the many occasions when Father Mark showed how deep his Christ-like charity for others really is.

Besides his regular parish duties, which are by no means easy, Father still finds the time to do other things as well. Many afternoons he will go to the Catholic pro-life crisis pregnancy and family resource center across the street from the rectory. There he helps the volunteers in every way he can. He does everything from carrying carloads of clothing in, to sitting and making friendly conversation with the families that come there, playing with their children and helping them feel welcome. Quite a few parents who had fallen away from the practice of their faith have arranged to have their children baptized, probably in large part because of the example of Fr. Mark.

In helping these same volunteers in front of the local abortion clinic, Father has saved a physical life, too! One day the sidewalk counselors were able to convince yet another woman going into the clinic that having an abortion was not the right choice. This girl turned out to be a Catholic. Although she had decided not to have the abortion, she felt very guilty for having intended to do so, and was quite upset, thinking that since she was guilty already, there was no point in changing her mind, believing that she could not be forgiven. Father Mark had been praying for all of these women, and now came over and greatly consoled her. He knelt down on the sidewalk and gave her and her baby the blessing of God. As he assured her of how much God loved her and how very merciful He was, many of the people witnessing the scene were in tears. This girl is now quite committed to caring for her baby, who will be born any time now. God alone can know how many other changes of heart in the women entering the clinic were also due in a large part to Father’s prayers!

In all these many ways Father Mark has been a very inspiring figure to me and, I’m sure, to everyone else who knows him. I wonder how anyone could doubt the authenticity of the Catholic Church when one sees what wonderful priests are among her children, priests like Fr. Mark! God bless Fr. Mark Kehoe, my hero!

10th Place Winner
Maggie Leahy, Grade 10
Burton, MI
Our Lady Academy Catholic School, Burton, MI
Name of Priest: Pope John Paul II

My priest is a hero because he not only guides the faith of his parishioners; he guides the faith of all Catholics.

I have chosen Pope John Paul II as my heroic priest for several reasons, mostly because of the impact he has on every single persons life catholic or non-catholic. Pope John Paul II is very well known for his firmness in the faith especially on controversial matters such as abortion, euthanasia, or infanticide. At times it would be so much easier for the Pope to say nothing is wrong with any of it. If the Pope said these things then he may become more popular or well liked. The Pope will never say this, because Catholics who support abortion place themselves in direct opposition to church doctrine regarding the obligation to support human life from conception to natural death. In a solemn pronouncement the Pope said, “I confirm that the direct voluntary killing of an innocent human being is always gravely immoral.” He went on to say, “Every innocent human being has a fundamental and inalienable right that he or she should not be deliberately killed. It is affirmed by Scripture and Tradition of the Church.” I really respect and admire the Pope for being so strong in his beliefs and by speaking out; his honesty attracts millions of people to him.

I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Rome and attend several of his audiences. I always arrived early trying to get a good seat. On this one particular day I found a seat by the wooden fence that would allow easy reach as he drives by in the Pope mobile. Soon the whole Vatican was filled, voices cheering, songs being chanted and John Paul II came out. The voices and songs getting louder, the Pope getting closer and closer to me. Suddenly all of the cheering and song seems to fade away and it feels like it is only myself and the Pope, everything is going in slow motion. I am reaching; coming within centimeters of touching his hand I look up at him and he smiles. This one simple smile from the Vicar of Christ has left the biggest impact on my life.

Once when the Pope had broken his leg, the news media asked, “How are you going to govern the church?” The Pope pointed to his head and said, “I govern the church with this not my leg.” This statement left the cameramen speechless and once again leaving a huge impact on one’s life with just a few simple words.

Just recently my sister and her husband traveled to Rome, being newly married and got their marriage blessed by the Holy Father. They were able to present him with a gift, so they brought the Holy Father a picture and a spiritual bouquet from my entire family. When my sister and her husband walked up to greet the Pope they knelt down and kissed his ring. And then they told the Pope that they were from Michigan and members of Regnum Christi, which is an order the Holy Father is very familiar with, and the Holy Father looked down at them and said, “God bless you.” And then he presented them with a rosary.

Our Pope is a true example of the life that every Catholic man or woman should be leading.