Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25:
Fathers, grandfathers, and sons gathered on Sunday, April 28 to celebrate St. Joseph’s Evening of Recollection. This annual night is held for the young men at Kellenberg to gather with prominent father figures in their lives and enjoy an evening of prayer, dinner, and community.
The night began with a beautiful mass in the auditorium. Following the service, Captain Gary M. Rose, recipient of the Medal of Honor for his service in the Vietnam War, spoke to the young men about the willingness to live one’s life in the service of others.
Mr. Moran shares, “Cpt. Rose reminded our fathers and our boys that in the hardest moments and darkest days it is his faith in God that helps him push forward.”
Captain Gary M. Rose spoke about his time as a soldier in Laos, specifically his aid in saving over sixty men in battle. He was one of sixty-three men who left his battle in Vietnam and is one of sixty-two to receive the Living Medal of Honor for his heroic actions. Amidst the grief he faced post-war, Cpt. Rose testified that his faith was his only “string of sanity”, guiding him with his continual struggle for freedom. He ended his speech calling for the father figures in the room to demonstrate faith when faced with difficult situations.
Junior Kevin Kelly shares how Captain Gary’s speech resonated with him: “His speech was
inspiring because he not only talked about the good deeds that he had done, but also talked about how we can also aid our community by having a deeper faith.”
Families then enjoyed a delicious barbecue-style dinner in the Queen of the Apostles Courtyard. They also had the opportunity to participate in games and raffles for the remainder of the evening.
The St. Joseph’s Evening of Recollection gave the young men of Kellenberg an opportunity
to deepen their faith and join in fellowship with their Kellenberg family, friends, and father
figures.
