Column by Jonathan Nagy
In 1786, on her 38th birthday and the Feast Day of Saint Augustine, Princess Amalia Gallitzin found herself making a profound return to the Catholic Church, a Church that she had abandoned long before to make way for her elevated lifestyle. On that day, she confessed her sins and received Holy Communion with a clean heart. In his book, Mitri, written in 1945, Daniel Sargent speculated that, “This change brought a great relief to her, for no longer did she have to take charge of everything in the universe: she could leave some things to God. It also promised a similar relief to her, for she could leave some of her son’s education to God.” A self-proclaimed “Monica,” Amalia was armed with new determination to make her son into a “Saint Augustine.” The road was long and windy, complicated by the opinions and positions of her husband, but eventually her son, Prince Demetrius Gallitzin, was presented to Bishop John Carroll of Baltimore for the next step in his education. In the letter that Amalia wrote to Bishop Carroll, she stated that she asked him to eliminate from her son, “two great enemies of his salvation, laziness and emptiness.” She asked Bishop Carroll to ensure that her son would be educated correctly, and, in her Monica-esque style, signed the letter, “Mother of Augustine.” A Catholic education Mitri would receive, becoming the first man to receive all Holy Orders in the United States. Mission accomplished, Princess Amalia!
It is of no wonder after considering his background, that Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin was a strong supporter of education. His apologetics writings were written in a way to educate and instruct. He requested at Masses that the children sat close to the altar so that they could learn what was happening and be closer to God Himself. Baptizing thousands and converting many more to the faith, Gallitzin always sought to be a Catholic educator. No greater example exists for the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown than the man who himself brought and taught the faith to the Allegheny Mountains.
Catholic education has been strong in this area long before the establishment of the current diocese. The number of schools continued to grow and hit a boom under another Bishop Carroll, Bishop Howard J. Carroll, 4th Bishop of the Diocese and namesake of the current Bishop Carroll Catholic High School. Following the example of Demetrius Gallitzin, for whom he had the utmost respect and honor, Bishop Carroll believed all should have access to a well-rounded, wholly enveloping, Catholic education.
The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown are nothing short of amazing. I am privileged to witness firsthand the greatness that is occurring. A great perk of my job is traveling to the various elementary schools in the Prince Gallitzin Quadrant. I constantly find myself in awe of what is happening both spiritually and educationally in these schools. I am fortunate to be able to engage more deeply with the students in two separate scenarios – as an administrator and educator at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, and as music director and children’s choir director at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel. Both opportunities provide me with occasions to see how Catholic education is impacting our students on a deeper level.
Recently, at children’s choir practice, we sang the hymn, “We Are Many Parts.” The end of the refrain reads, “One the love that we share, one our hope in despair, one the cross that we bear.” Mrs. Hogue, my assistant director, coincidentally also named Monica, asked the students if they knew what it mean to ‘bear a cross.’ They all seemingly understood what it meant, but one third grade student took it a step further. He explained, “As we get older, our crosses get heavier because of sin. That is why we need Jesus and confession. We need to lighten to load of our crosses because it gets harder the older we get.” I believe at that moment my mouth hit the floor in astonishment by such a profound thought from such an innocent child. When asked if he was taught that, he replied, “No, I just thought about that now.” Later on, a second grade student said, “We are all like candles that are burning. We need to have good people around us. It is hard for us to keep our own candle burning and we need people who want to help us keep our candle burning and not blow it out.” Again, deep and true thoughts from such young soul. These statements from those students brought warmth to my heart. I thank God that they are not only exposed to God in their everyday schooling, but that I get to be part of their spiritual journey with them!
One of my favorite activities at Bishop Carroll is getting to have casual conversations with the students about their faith. This happens outside of the pressure of classes, group retreats, or organized events. One particular group of seniors have often found themselves in my classroom during their study hall. They are working on various things while I am working on my own things. The casual conversations and questions that are discussed concerning their own faith journeys and how to convince others to join them on this wonderful journey are truly heartwarming. These discussions are much different than those with the elementary students, as the high school students are almost ready to start charting their own course in life. Their thoughts and discussions are deep, real, and genuine. Their candles have truly been lit by Jesus Christ and have been kept alive both through their own efforts and the comforting care that has been provided to them in their Catholic schooling, from Pre-K through 12th grade. The hope and goal is that they allow their beliefs and drive to carry them through all the stages of their lives.
Both the situation at Saint Michael and Bishop Carroll are much like the story of Princess Amalia. Parents are trusting the Catholic schools to educate their children and enforce and enhance the values instilled upon them. In some cases, parents are looking for help in guiding their children in the right direction. No, not every parent is a Monica nor sees their child as an Augustine, but every parent has hopes and dreams for their children.
We must not overlook the fact that Catholic education is a viable choice. Princess Amalia, against all odds, including the power of her husband, family, and hierarchical position, chose to educate Mitri and his sister as much as she could in the Catholic faith before deciding to allow others to carry on that education. Parents choose Catholic school for their children today, knowing full well that it comes with the costs of tuition, volunteering, and countless fundraisers. They understand the commitment for which not only they are signing up their children, but they themselves are signing up. The parents run the race with their children, and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you to Princess Amalia for choosing Catholic education for her son and setting an example for others to follow. Her decision continues to impact the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Thank you to all parents who choose Catholic education for their children. The trust that they put in the Catholic schools is immense, and the schools take that trust very seriously and rise to the moment.
I am unabashedly committed to Catholic education and I fully believe Catholic schools help mold and create well-rounded individuals who are prepared to go the extra mile for their faith and their families. I am so proud of all of my former students. Few things bring me as much joy as seeing their successes in their lives – spiritually and professionally. I have now been around long enough to see the children of the first few classes I taught now entering high school and middle school. It brings warmth to my heart to see so many parents who had a strong Catholic education of their own choosing to provide one for their children.
The classrooms in our Catholic schools all have open seats. Those seats are there for those who want to make the choice to provide their children with a Catholic education. We are always glad to welcome new students into our school family. I encourage those who have not considered a Catholic education in the Diocese to do so. Some may say, “I can’t afford to do it.” My response would be, “You can’t afford not to do it.” I guarantee that we will do whatever we can to make it an affordable possibility for all families who desire a Catholic education.
Amalia Gallitzin wanted her children to be ardent Catholics so that they had the strength to stand up against anything that challenged them. The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown carry on this desire. We are the Monicas who will always pray, encourage, and do what we can for our Augustines. Every. Single. Day.
Happy Catholic Schools Week!
Jonathan Nagy, M.Ed., is the Dean of Students, Director of Alumni Relations, and Social Studies teacher at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Ebensburg. He is also the Music Director at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Loretto.
