Arms and the Man

Mariko Nakasone truly stars as Raina Petkoff in the currently running Guthrie Production of Arms and the Man, by George Bernard Shaw. Several Visitation folks were in attendance at the performance this past Saturday evening, and I have to say, were all mesmerized by Mariko’s performance.

Didn’t she just graduate from Visitation last year? Well, no. Time being fleeting, she left these halls in June 2002. After Visitation, Mariko went on to Boston University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatics Art. And now she is right back at home sharing her dramatic talents on the Guthrie stage. What a Vis girl she is.

Blaze the Phoenix: Our New Mascot

School spirit reached its zenith last week-end with the unveiling of Visitation’s new mascot, Blaze the Phoenix. In the works for many weeks, Blaze was brought to life through a collaborative effort on a multitude of levels. And while the mascot is really quite wonderful in its own right, what is most special to us is the connection of the phoenix to Salesian Spirituality, as evidenced in the following adaptation from the writings of St. Francis de Sales:

Our progress in holy love is like the

mythical bird called the phoenix.

When newly hatched from ashes, it has little,

tender feathers, and can only leap rather than fly.

As it grows strong it soars freely in the air

but not enough to remain long on the wing

and often comes down to earth to rest.

When it is perfectly renewed in spirit and strength,

it remains on the mountaintop. In heaven,

we shall indeed have a heart and spirit,

entirely free from contradictions and conflicts.

As yet we have neither the spirit nor strength of the blessed.

It is enough for us to love with all our heart,

which means simply to love with a good heart

and without reservation.

Courage then! Let us rouse our faith again,

and give it life through using the gifts God gave us

to perform good works with holy love,

since this is in our power.

Blaze the Phoenix. Perfect!

It Isn't Magic

Although school is officially closed today in observance of Presidents’ Day, I ventured through the snowy drifts to take advantage of the quiet and spend a few hours in my office catching up on a few things. Driving onto campus early this morning, I was not surprised to find the campus roads and sidewalks already clear of snow. Even the more infrequently utilized pathways were clear.

Given the amount of snow that fell over the last many hours, the clearing was no small feat. No, it did not just magically happen. Rather, our stalwart maintenance/custodial team did this excellent work. What a fine team.

A Visitation Wedding

This past Saturday I had the honor of attending the wedding of a Visitation alumna. What a perfect winter wedding it was. The music at the liturgy was as exquisite as any I have heard, the hospitality of both families was front and center, and the bridal party was popuated by wonderful women and men. Most of the women were Visitation alumnae, supporting their Vis friend, the bride.

Everything about the wedding was lovely, but, for me, a capstone moment came at the reception when one of the bridesmaids, one of our Vis girls, described the bride as being an examplar of Salesian spirituality. Even though these ladies had graduated a number of years ago, the special stamp of the Sisters' charism was right there in the middle - at the heart of - this beautiful wedding. Amazing.

Advent Festival

The second annual Lower School concert and Advent Festival happened this past week-end. Memory-making of the sweetest sort resulted from this day. A few delightful vignettes:

During the concert the Montessori preschool students joined the “big” Lower School children for a portion of the program. They climbed the stairs onto the stage, reaching for hands of older friends for assistance. They somewhat tumbled into place and then participated sweetly, if only by staring with big eyes into the audience while letting friends carry the musical chores. They rustled and smiled and seemed utterly pleased that they were part of things. And for all of us watching and listening, we had a glimpse of how it all begins, this experience of Lower School – with teeny ones trying new things.

Later in the afternoon was the bustle of fifth graders and their smiling, stalwart teacher, serving three shifts of diners during the Advent Festival. They set tables, delivered food to the families assembled, and then cleaned up – all non-stop for three+ hours. These “big” kids were so helpful on this day and served as real role models for the younger students. And for all of us observing their industry and service, we had a glimpse into where things lead in Lower School – to young people growing into real leaders.

Volleyball!

Super fans galore, in red and white regalia of many sorts, cheered on the team – the varsity volleyball team. There was one last hurdle to clear before heading to the state tournament. Grit and grace and boundless energy carried the day. It took five games to win the match, but the Blazers prevailed. Heart stopping. Exhilarating.

Yes, many would say that it’s just a game. I would say that it’s more than that.

Point Vis!

Being...

I loved the Salesian Retreat Day for all faculty and staff during Workshop Week. What a rare opportunity to pause together – with all colleagues – to reflect upon what is at our core here at Visitation. Brother Ed Ogden did a masterful job of gently guiding us to consider how we might be… this year.

Be prayerful.
Be gentle.
Be open.
Be positive.
Be present.
Be real.
Be still.
Be healthy.
Be happy.
Be grateful.

My prayer is that our entire Visitation community will be able to center on these modes of being as we begin another faith-filled journey through a new school year.