Wednesday, September 30, 2009

ST. ANDREW DEANERY — Students, faculty, staff and parents at Royalmont Academy in Mason celebrated their many blessings during a special Mass of Thanksgiving with Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk on Sept. 25.

The school, which currently serves 154 students, recently received confirmation that Archbishop Pilarczyk had formally recognized its application as a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The action was the result of a multi-year effort by the school and its board of directors.

Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk gives Communion to Elissa Santoleri, a fourth grader at Royalmont Academy, during a Mass of Thanksgiving at the school Sept. 25. At left is eighth grader Stephen Pharo. (CT/E.L. Hubbard)

Principal Tony Ferraro said, “Everyone was very excited all week,” as the students anticipated the archbishop’s visit.

“We are greatly humbled and appreciative that Archbishop Pilarczyk visited our school,” said Ferraro, who currently has four children enrolled at Royalmont. “It meant a great deal to us and was the capstone for a good, long journey to being received formally as a Catholic school in the archdiocese.”

The archbishop spoke of the importance of gratitude in his homily, a lesson that meshed well with the message the school strives to impart to students.

“We take being grateful to heart and make sure we are thankful for all the blessings God has given us,” Ferraro said.

After the Mass, Archbishop Pilarczyk toured the school, visiting each classroom and chatting with the teachers and students. He also bestowed a special blessing on the upper-school students.

Adding to the excitement of the occasion was a proclamation from Mason Vice Mayor Pete Beck declaring Sept. 25 as Royalmont Academy Day.

“It was a great day of blessings,” Ferraro said.

See related photo galllery here.