Special Guest Celebrates Black History Month at Encino Crespi

He reminded each student of his importance in the eyes of God, and “that they are to know themselves as God knows and loves them.”
By: Paul V. Rawate
 
Feb. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- During Catholic Schools’ Week, a special visitor celebrated Mass with Crespi Carmelite High School at our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Encino.  He reminded each student of his importance in the eyes of God, and “that they are to know themselves as God knows and loves them.”  Fr. Ivan Marsh, O. Carm., delivered this homily not only to celebrate Catholic Schools’ week but also Black History Month.

Fr. Marsh is a member of a Bishop’s committee for black Catholics.  He was born a black Catholic, and his faith was passed on to him by his grandparents and parents. As the homily continued, Fr. Marsh warned the students not to follow “those who would lead them astray, but that they can have their own moral, intellectual, and spiritual convictions.”  In closing, he added that their “development drives them not only to the good, but to the better and ultimately to the best that they can be. That is what God would want for them.”  

Fr. Marsh is pleased with his faith and because of his heritage, embraces Catholicism “more than most blacks.”  He feels the black community in America can embrace Catholicism more “if their ideas and opinions are invited, and if they can make an effective contribution to their faith. They do not just want to be on the side lines. That goes for all other Catholics as well.”

However, Marsh believes the pull of secular society is to be devoid of any religion, especially the Catholic religion. Living in a growing atheistic society requires us, “to protect the Catholic identity of our young students.”  He also added, “Blacks are no different when it comes to the struggle with their faith and identity especially Catholics. They often wonder where they belong as Catholics.  Many have left the Church, and many have remained. There needs to be a study as to why they leave and why they stay. To my knowledge, this has not as yet been done.”

In reflecting upon his visit to Crespi Carmelite, Fr. Marsh was impressed:  “I had the sense that the faculty is cohesive, love the students they teach and work with, and treat them with a sense of great dignity.” He noticed a sense of dignity in the students’ behavior because of the “mutual respect exhibited.  Each student looked me in the eye, gave a generous greeting of welcome, and made a firm handshake. These gestures are not always exhibited by young people in high schools.”
End
Source:Paul V. Rawate
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Tags:Carmelite, Encino Crespi, Crespi Carmelite High School, Crespi
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Location:Encino - California - United States
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Page Updated Last on: Sep 27, 2012
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