People

In Catholic tradition, May is the month dedicated to our Blessed Mother. Catholics celebrate her throughout May in different ways throughout the world and here are a few.

`In Poland, they celebrate her as Our Lady of Czestochowa, in Mexico, as Our Lady of Guadalupe, and in Italy, as Madonna Del Miracolo. These are all depictions of how she appeared, and because of that, they depict her as one of their own and an amazing figure of hope. However, this was all to bring the countries together, but the Catholics removed ancient pagan religions a bit like this. 

In Ancient Greece, the Greeks used to worship Artemis (or, to the Romans, Diana before the Roman Emperor Constantine converted the empire), but the Catholics wanted to baptize the pagan religion that spread so far to the empire and worshiped Mary throughout that month. But as for October, it is dedicated to praying and honoring the rosary. We do this to honor her being the Immaculate Conception. We are also invited to pray the rosary throughout that month more than usual to show a particular deal of respect and clarity that we honor her as Jesus' mother and the Immaculate Conception. But later in October, we pray the Rosary and honor it as if it always has Mary in it. But that's it!

In March, we celebrate Women's History Month. What is Women's History Month? Well, it is exactly how it sounds. It is when we acknowledge the important women in our lives and in general. Women's History Month is a month that is set aside to honor women’s contributions to American history. And that is why we celebrate it now. 

There is also a local event celebrating Women's History Month. This annual event is called the Massachusetts Trial Court Women’s History Month Celebration. This year's theme was “Woman Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” More than 200 women attended the awards ceremony and panel discussions. I decided to interview my mom, Dr. Carmen Gomez, because she is the one who decided to start this celebration in her position as Deputy Commissioner of Pretrial Services for the state of Massachusetts.

Why did you decide to start this event?

-I decided to celebrate women's history month because no one had done it before in the trial court and I wanted to celebrate the contributions made by women in society.

How do you choose the women that you chose to give awards to?

-The women are nominated by the members of the committee based on their field of work, the theme of the celebration and their commitment to advancing women's rights and position in society.

When did you come up with this?

-In January of 2020 because that year marked the 100th year of Women’s Suffrage/ the right to vote. 

Did you come up with this alone?

-Yes.

What is your favorite part about doing this?

-The smiles of the honorees and the hope of the attendees. 

Can it be stressful to plan the event?

-No, it is exciting because we celebrate women and their contributions to society.

"The 4th Annual Massachusetts Trial Court Women’s History Month Celebration and Conference at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute was a resounding success!!" [posted by Deputy Gomez after the event.]

The Pope is a very powerful person dating back to the early years of A.D., who can infinitely influence the decisions of the Christian world.

The first Pope was Saint Peter. Saint Peter was nicknamed the fisherman of all the apostles due to his reputation as a sinner who repented at the meeting of Christ while he was a fisherman and decided to follow Christ as his right-hand man. This decision enabled him to be one of the apostles indeed and even was one to receive the first Confirmation along with the Holy Spirit however, at the time, there were still non-believers due to the shortcomings of Emperor Constantine, and he eventually was killed by the cruel actions of Emperor Nero in 51 A.D., with nobody in Rome liking him as cruel as he was, so they overthrew him and killed him.

Then Emperor Constantine came and battled with the Christians over religion and eventually failed, converting the state to religion, and had Saint Peter's Basilica built around Saint Peter's burial site in the Vatican City. (For more information, scroll down to Arts and Culture for the Basilica.) Then came the student most worthy of the apostles, and it continued until there were 266 popes. Now, we have Pope Francis (or Francisco) as the current descended student who came from the Apostles. Nowadays, you can trace the bishop who ordained your priest back to the Medieval Times or even the Bubonic Plague!

I hope this article informed you on the position of the Pope.

Starting in April, our school announces the staff and students of the week. This recognition recognizes the nice and thoughtful things that students and staff have done for each other in our school community. 

HOW IT WORKS

How it works is, the staff picks two of their colleagues who have stood out to them and have been extra nice. The students are elected by their teachers. The teachers recommend a student that they teach who has contributed to their class and has been kind, respectful, and loving. 

Our fourth grade class was thrilled when our teacher, Ms. Carmony was chosen! I had the chance to interview her for this article:

“What were your past jobs?”

"Before entering catholic education, I worked as an actress, legislative advocate, and spiritual chaplain."

“Where did you grow up?” 

I grew up in Orange County, California.

“Where have you lived in the past?”

Before moving to New England, I lived in California and New York.

“Where did you go to school?”

I attended college in Irvine, Los Angeles, California, for undergraduate studies and in Steubenville, Ohio, for graduate studies.

“What are your favorite subjects?”

"Theology & physics."

“What are some of your favorite things to do?”

"I love to read, write, visit monasteries, and go to the tidepools."

“What are your plans for this summer?”

"I will be working and visiting family."

"What are your plans for next year?"

"I will be returning to California to work in classical curriculum design."

“What was your favorite part of this school year?”

"Having the opportunity to help educate such a stellar and virtuous class of students!"

“What is your favorite part of S.P.S.?”

"The students, families, and faculty."

Now I will interview student of the week from our class, Mathilde Saint-Pere.

 "Were you thrilled to learn you were a student of the week?"

"Yes, I was very excited."

"How did you learn you were a student of the week?"

 "Well, I was reading, and suddenly you jabbed me in the shoulder and said, "Hey, you're student of the week”."

 "Did you feel great during that week?" 

 "Well, I have to admit I was a little bit proud of myself."