By Archbishop Thomas Wenski - The Archdiocese of Miami
Homily by Archbishop Thomas Wenski at Mass celebrating the 75th Anniversary of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Miami, FL. Sept. 20, 2026.
Wow, St. Michael’s school is as old as I am. Although I am 75 years old, I might be better to say that St. Michael the Archangel School is not 75 years old but 75 years young. For even as we look to these past 75 years with gratitude, we can look to the future with great confidence and hope. Generations of children have walked through its doors growing in wisdom, age and grace under the watchful care of dedicated teachers made possible by the sacrifices of parents. God willing, many more generations of young people will pass through its hallways and classrooms.
Over the decades Miami has been transformed – from a sleepy resort town of 1950 to the vibrant, multicultural, multilingual metropolis that we know today. This parish transformed itself as well as it grew and received new parishioners. For many refugees and immigrants seeking a new beginning, refuge, and a firm foundation for their children, St. Michael the Archangel Parish has been a true oasis and a vital spiritual home.
Durante 75 años, esta escuela ha ofrecido —y seguirá ofreciendo durante los próximos 75 años— una educación católica a nuestros niños: una educación que conjuga la fe, la excelencia académica y la comunidad.
El objetivo de la educación católica —y lo que hace que esta sea una «buena nueva»— es el desarrollo integral de la persona. Al buscar esta formación integral, que aspira a preparar a nuestros alumnos para la vida —tanto para la vida terrenal como para la vida venidera—, estamos convencidos de que todos los valores humanos encuentran su plenitud y unidad en Cristo. Es en Cristo donde se halla la plenitud de la verdad sobre el hombre y sobre Dios.
The goal of Catholic education —and what makes Catholic education “good news” —is the development of the whole person. And in pursuing this integral formation which aims to prepare our students for life —both this life and the life to come — we are convinced that all human values find their fulfillment and unity in Christ. It is in Christ that the fullness of truth concerning man and God is to be found.
How can anybody say that he or she is educating someone about the truth —and yet not to be able to speak about God? The history of these United States would be incomprehensible without acknowledging the role of Faith, the role of communities of faith, in its foundation as well as in its foundational documents. And yet, how well —and how fairly —is this topic addressed in our secular schools? How can anyone say that he or she is educating someone about the truth, if they cannot teach that we exist not only for this life —but also for the next? Not to know that we were created for eternity is to be as ignorant as not knowing how to multiply fractions. In Catholic schools we can and do teach both well.
To have faith is to see the world in a particular way. As Catholics we believe we receive the gift of faith in baptism — but it is a gift that must grow and develop. Too many people neglect to do that — they might have faith — but it might be a little blurry.
That’s why we study religion in the classroom — for faith must seek understanding if it is to light up our path in life. Faith needs to grow in understanding — but also to have clear–sighted faith we need to grow in our relationship with the Lord.
That’s why — besides religion classes — we have times for prayer, for Mass, for retreats. Also, we make time for service projects. And that’s also why we have a code of conduct that as Catholic students we adhere to — on and off campus. That code of conduct is not just a bunch of silly rules that make life difficult. Rather our code of conduct, the way we interact with one another — your teachers, your fellow students, and those you come in contact with — is based on our faith — which as I said is a way of seeing the world and living in the world in a particular way. It is the way of Jesus who tells us to love God with our whole hearts, minds, and souls — and to love one another as he has loved us.
Tener fe es ver el mundo de una manera particular. Como católicos, creemos que recibimos el don de la fe en el bautismo, pero es un don que debe crecer y desarrollarse. Por eso estudiamos religión en el aula, pues la fe debe buscar la comprensión si ha de iluminar nuestro camino en la vida.
Como dice san Pablo en la segunda lectura de hoy: compórtense de una manera digna del Evangelio de Cristo.
In today’s gospel reading, we hear the parable of the landowner sending laborers to work in his vineyard. The radical generosity of the landowner reminds us that in the Kingdom of God, grace is not a commodity to be rationed based on seniority. Whether a family has been a part of the St. Michael’s family for sixty years or sixty days, the full, transformative measure of Christ’s love, mercy, and education is given equally to all.
Our school’s mission has always been to do what is right for every child, by offering them and their families the opportunity for a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ and a deep awareness of their dignity regardless of when they enter our vineyard.
Hoy, nuestros corazones rebosan de profunda gratitud al reunirnos ante el altar para celebrar un hito monumental en la vida de nuestra comunidad: elseptuagésimo quinto aniversario de la escuela parroquial de San Miguel Arcángel.
