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Mostly Cloudy At Catholic school, all eyes on the pope
Students at Holy Name of Mary School had a rare opportunity to study a major world event in a way unlike their counterparts in public schools.
The resignation of Pope Benedict followed by the election of Pope Francis allowed for some extra discussion in the Catholic elementary school. In the public school, a changing of the pope is a study in current events. At a parochial school, it’s a study in faith.
“This took precedent,” said Principal Richard McMahon. “We are a Catholic school first.”
For Pope Benedict’s last day, Feb. 28, teacher Diedre Keenan pulled up live video feed on the SmartBoard of his departure in a helicopter. Her third-grade students, as well as the fourth-grade class, gathered around to watch the historic moment.
“Having the ability to watch the live footage and listen to the commentators was a true blessing,” Keenan said. “The students were engrossed with the footage and, in my opinion, were able to witness a historic event first hand. For some, if not all, that will be a day that they always remember.”
A few minutes later, a helicopter passed over the school. Many students ran to the window and waved, McMahon said, thinking it was Pope Benedict. He and the teachers chose not to spoil their moment.
After Benedict’s departure, students kept up on the developments with the election for a new pope. They talked about possible successors, and what region of the world they thought the pope would come from.
“We were talking about how it never really happened,” eighth-grader Kevin Higgins said about the resignation of a pope. “We were talking about how it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Every morning, students at the school traditionally gather together in the gymnasium to say the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. After Benedict stepped down, a moment of silence was added so children could think about what was going on at the Vatican.
Finally, Jorge Cardinal Mario Bergoglio, of Argentina, was elected the 266th pope of the Catholic church on March 13. McMahon announced over the loudspeaker that white smoke was coming from the chimney of the Vatican and a new pope was elected.
