“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know Himself— so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth and themselves.”
-St. John Paul II Preface to Fides et Ratio
Fides et Ratio Reflections
Pope Leo visits the site of the assassination attempt (Photo Credit: Vatican News)
Yesterday in a moving gesture at his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo visited the site of the assassination attempt against St. John Paul II 45 years ago to the very day.
Flashback: Wednesday, May 13, 1981, was a beautiful, sunny, blue-sky day in central Minnesota. As I was walking on the Saint John’s University campus during the 10:00 am hour, I heard that Pope John Paul II had been shot.
Just as so many of the faithful around the world spontaneously offered prayers for his well-being, so did we.
Miraculously, the Holy Father survived the point-blank attempt on his life by a trained assassin. Months later, he would meet the perpetrator in person and forgive him.
May 13 is the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, marking the first appearance of Our Lady to the three children of Fatima (Jacinta and Francisco Marto and their cousin Lucia dos Santos) in 1917—64 years before the assassination attempt. One year later, he would visit Fatima and crown an image of Our Lady of Fatima. The crown included one of the bullets that struck him.
About the significance of his survival, Pope John Paul II always maintained, “In everything that was happening I saw—I do not weary of repeating this—a special maternal protection of the Madonna. And in coincidence—there are no simple coincidences in the designs of Divine Providence—I saw an appeal as well, and, who knows, a recalling of attention to the message which began…[in Fatima]…through the means of three children, the son and daughters of humble country people, the little shepherds of Fatima, as they are universally known.”
Regarding Mary’s maternal protection, we, too, can embrace St. John Paul II’s concluding appeal to her in Fides et Ratio: “May Mary, Seat of Wisdom, be a sure haven for all who devote their lives to the search for wisdom. May their journey into wisdom, sure and final goal of all true knowing, be freed of every hindrance by the intercession of the one who, in giving birth to the Truth and treasuring it in her heart, has shared it forever with all the world” (No. 108).
It's About Time
Scholarship Breakfast
Sr. Mary Margaret Mooney at the Scholarship Breakfast
On Thursday, May 7, we hosted our annual Scholarship Breakfast at the Avalon events Center to recognize and celebrate those students who applied for and received merit scholarships as Shanley students next year. Student GPAs, character, service, activities, and leadership are the key factors as well as a student essay. This year’s topic was a resounding one: “Name the teacher that has had the greatest impact on you and why.” What teacher tributes poured forth from our students!
Presentation Sister Mary Margaret Mooney ‘55 gave the address at this year’s event, which coincides with the Sisters’ 250th Jubilee of their founding by Nano Nagle. In her message, she focused on scholarship and the attributes of a true scholar.
In her talk, she noted that “we are face to face with a fundamental premise of Catholic education—education neither replaces nor competes with faith. Education is the handmaiden of faith. And that is why the faithful over centuries and generations have put so much stock into education—into scholarship—because, ideally, it leads is discipleship.”
Congrats to all merit scholars!
Graduates
Trinity Elementary 5th Graders
Congratulations to our 101 5th graders as they complete elementary school. We are recognizing 9 at Holy Spirit, 46 at Nativity, and 46 at Trinity. We wish them a smooth transition to middle school and the 6th grade next fall!
Congratulations to our 99 8th graders as they complete middle school; best wishes as they move to high school!
Congratulations to our 64 Shanley High School graduates. Their Baccalaureate Mass, Luncheon, and Graduation will be celebrated on May 20.
All the best to them! May our entire school community enjoy the blessings of Summer.
Last Day of Classes
Congratulations to all students for their progress in learning this year. Thanks to all teachers, staff members, and parents for their role in that. Our final day of classes and final contracted day for teachers is next Wednesday, May 20.
Have a most blessed Summer vacation, everyone!
President’s Proverb
“The test of beauty is not that it is perfect, but that it always attracts.”
–Author Alice Rollins
Hagstrom’s Attempt at Humor (HAAH!)
Sunday Psalm Sampler
“Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
-Luke 24:22b
The Ascension of the Lord (Year A)
- Lectionary Readings: The Ascension of the Lord | USCCB
- Responsorial Psalm: Ps 47:2-3, 6-9
- Responsorial Refrain: “God mounts His throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.” (Ps 47:6)
- Chris Brunelle’s YouTube Recording: R&A Psalm The Ascension of the Lord 2026, Psalm 47
Psalm 47 is most fitting for the triumphant Ascension of Our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. With the union of heaven and earth, the throne imagery, and the sounds of celebration (hands clapping, shouts raised, trumpets blaring), the joy is palpable.
It may seem odd at first glance to know that the Apostles were filled with joy upon Jesus’ departure.
Two great truths, however, lead to that manifestation of joy. First, there is Jesus’ promise to be with them “always, until the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20); He makes that promise after the “Great Commission” at the conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel. Second, there is His promise to send an “Advocate” in the Last Supper discourses of John’s Gospel: “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
Imitating the joy of the Apostles at the Ascension of the Lord, we should recall His promises this week as we sing, “God mounts His throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.”
Our President
Mike Hagstrom
Mike Hagstrom was named President of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools and Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Fargo on March 15, 2016, and officially assumed the role on July 1, 2016. In his application for the position, he described his leadership philosophy as one of stewardship, writing:
“My approach would be that of stewardship of the great gift of Catholic Schools. With the help of God’s grace and all our stakeholders, we can be good stewards together, ensuring that our schools not only survive, but thrive. They are designed for human flourishing, forming the whole person, each and every student made in God’s image and likeness, endowed with a transcendent dignity and destiny.”
Before stepping into diocesan leadership, Mike dedicated 31 years to Shanley High School, where he taught Religion and served in a variety of leadership roles. During his time there, he embodied the spirit of St. Bede’s words: “I have always found delight in learning, teaching, and writing.”
Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He and his wife, Shawn, are the proud parents of two Shanley graduates, Therese (’08) and Joseph (’16), and grandparents to James and Oliver.
