Easter Mass Draws Dignitaries as it Celebrates National Blue Ribbon Award

Celebration was in the air Friday as students, faculty, and nearly 100 guests welcomed Bishop Timothy O’Malley to preside at a special Easter liturgy.

Earlier this spring, Bishop O’Malley was named auxiliary bishop of Vicariate 1, which includes parishes in Northwest suburban Cook and Lake counties. Originally, Cardinal Blase Cupich was scheduled to celebrate the Mass, but after the death of Pope Francis, he flew to Rome to attend the funeral on Saturday.

As part of the afternoon liturgy, guests celebrated the Blue Ribbon Award Saint Viator earned last fall. Bishop O’Malley credited teachers and administrators for working to earn the prestigious award, but he also singled out students for their role in elevating the school and asked guests to applaud them.

Joining him on the altar were Mass. Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial and 1971 alumnus, and Fr. John Eustice, CSV, Chaplain. In the first few rows were priests from surrounding parishes, including St. Edna in Arlington Heights, St. Mary in Buffalo Grove, St. Hubert in Hoffman Estates, Our Lady of the Wayside in Arlington Heights, St. Alphonsus Liguori in Prospect Heights, St. Francis de Sales in Lake Zurich, and St. Walter in Roselle. 

Viatorians in attendance included Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, a 2007 graduate, and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, a guidance counselor, and Associates Ann Perez, Vice President of Mission and Identity, Cathy Abrahamian, Jen Anderson, Brigette Brankin, and Kurt Paprocki.

Arlington Heights Mayor-Elect Jim Tinaglia, principals and teachers from neighboring Catholic schools, parents, alumni, and supporters were among the dignitaries on hand.

In his homily, Bishop O’Malley reflected on how much he valued his Catholic education. As the middle of 14 children, he attended Sts. Faith, Hope and Charity School and Loyola Academy, both in Wilmette, before attending Purdue University and the University of Illinois, where he earned an accounting degree, and DePaul University for law school.

He quipped that he had attended schools with good basketball programs, including the University of Saint Mary of Lake Seminary, where the basketball team led other seminaries.

“Catholic schools do a really good job preparing students for college,” Bishop O’Malley said, referencing the Blue Ribbon Award, “but they also drive us to look deeper and come to know Jesus Christ. We are invited to do things we otherwise might not do, to look deeper into what Jesus wants us to do.”

After his homily, Bishop O’Malley blessed the large crucifix on the north wall of the Cahill Gym, which came from the recently closed Ascension-St. Susanna Parish on Chicago’s South Side.

“This cross served as a reminder of our faith for many years at St. Susanna’s,” Bishop O’Malley said. “Here, let it be a reminder to us to take up our own daily cross and serve those accounted of little importance.”

The celebration concluded with a reception in Querbes Hall for guests, faculty, and staff, while two Kona Ice trucks stood in the parking lot as a special treat for students.

At the end of the afternoon, Mrs. Perez thanked guests on hand, crediting their partnership in educating Saint Viator students: “We are grateful for your involvement, support, and commitment to Gospel values through a Catholic school education.”