By JC Moya - Immaculata- La Salle HS
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Mother Yvonne Reungoat, left, superior general of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (also known as Salesians of St. John Bosco), tours the campus of Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami with the school's principal, Sister Patricia Roche.
MIAMI � When the sun rises over Immaculata-La Salle, the bay speaks in hushed voices. As the light appears, the recently restored dome of La Ermita de la Caridad � the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity � sends luminous blasts over the mangrove-lined campus. The sounds of the estuary filter in through the open door of the chapel, and soft lights illuminate the chapel.
Early in the morning of Nov. 13, while the sun was rising, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, superior general of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians � also known as the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco � celebrated the blessing of Immaculata La Salle�s newly renovated chapel, along with retired Auxiliary Bishop Agust�n Rom�n and members of the school community.
In the presence of students, faculty, parents, and the Salesian sisters who staff the high school, Bishop Rom�n praised the Salesian commitment to education.
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Mother Yvonne Reungoat, superior general of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, speaks to students at Immaculata-La Salle High School Nov. 13. The school is staffed by members of her order, also known as Salesians of St. John Bosco.
�If you didn�t know who she was, you would still know she was a holy person,� said junior Chiara Raia.
A few moments later, all were gathered across the hall from the chapel for the blessing of the newly created meditation garden. In spite of the tranquility of the fountain and flowering bougainvillea, the sound of the bell sent the students and faculty in different directions, while Mother Reungoat was given a personal tour of the shrine by Bishop Roman.
Fluent in Spanish, Mother Reungoat demonstrated an urgent sense of interest in the history of the Cuban community. Clearly moved, she ended her tour with a meditative prayer said in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel of the Ermita.
After the tour, she was driven to the far end of campus, where she began a tour of the fully renovated school. The festivities that followed were a testament to the diversity of the Immaculata-La Salle community. Students were gathered along the way, waving flags from the dozens of nations represented by the students and faculty at the high school. The throngs followed Mother Reungoat in what became a parade of flags and smiling faces.
After a performance by the choir, Sister Patricia Roche, Immaculata La Salle�s principal, presented Mother Reungoat with various symbolic gifts, but most importantly with a generous check for assistance in the Philippines, where a typhoon has caused devastation.
Mother Reungoat, who recently returned from the Philippines, said that she �travels around the world� to �represent the Salesian presence,� only to �have found both right here!�
While she delivered her message of love, peace, and unity in Spanish, those who could understand were captivated, while others quietly translated her remarks in hushed whispers.
Mother Reungoat emphasized that it was up to the youth of the world to create peace. She stressed that such an accomplishment is possible if �we are open to the peace and unity of the Holy Spirit.�
Her words were a reminder that justice and love go hand-in-hand. �I hope the world can change, and young men and women are the agents of that change.�
Junior Ines Michelena said that Mother Reungoat was a �reminder that we have a responsibility to humanity.�
Teacher Milagros Beltran was struck by �her way of communicating humility.�
Mother Reungoat has left Immaculata-La Salle a bit changed. She reminded all those present that the school is at its core a Salesian community that draws its best qualities from the guiding principles of reason, religion and loving kindness.
She encouraged the students to grow intellectually, while inspiring them to believe that their role in the future of the world is indispensable � a big message delivered by a very humble yet extraordinary woman.
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
A tuxedo-clad Humberto Perez drives Mother Yvonne Reungoat around the campus of Immaculata-La Salle High School Nov. 13. Next to them is Sister Theresa Gutierrez. Mother Reungoat is her order's general superior.
