Written by Phoenix Writer Jazmeen Osae-Kwapong ’26
On Monday November 10, the Kellenberg Memorial community warmly welcomed Bishop Barres to our school.
To begin his visit, the bishop blessed the newly constructed Carlo Acutis Tech Center and dedicated it to St. Carlo Acutis. Following the dedication, he led a prayer service in the Maria Regina Chapel. Some students were given the opportunity to attend this service, many of them being members of the Adele and Faustino clubs. James Barbarino, a member of Faustino Club, remarked, “I considered it a great honor to be able to pray with Bishop Barres. This was a special experience I am very grateful for.” Father Daniel, Father Matthew Browne ‘11, and Father John Crozier ‘11 also attended the service.
Before the prayer service began, custom rosary beads were distributed to all in attendance. The rosaries with ornate blue and gold beads included a medal depicting a picture of the statue of Mary during the May Crowning and the statue of Jesus in the main courtyard. These thoughtfully made rosaries were graciously crafted and gifted for the students and Bishop Barres by a group of nuns from the Midwest.
The Bishop began the prayer service with a heartfelt speech about the process of discerning vocations. He opened by saying, “I am here simply to pray for Kellenberg and to be a servant of vocations.” He spoke about the importance of considering what life God may be calling the students to, especially emphasizing religious life. He quoted St. Therese of Lisieux’s Little Way, highlighting how young Catholics are called to serve in extraordinary ways. Father Browne and Father Crozier also contributed personal stories about how their experience at Kellenberg shaped their decisions to become priests.
The prayer and Adoration that followed were reverent, and the students were appreciative of the opportunity to meet with the bishop. Isabella Ferguson, a member of Adele Club, shared, “Meeting the bishop in person was a surreal experience. His calm, peaceful, and welcoming energy filled the room with such tranquility, creating a perfect prayerful atmosphere.”
After the service, the bishop remained at the school for a while longer to speak with more students during their lunch periods.
Mr. Finn, a religion teacher who was involved in planning this visit, commented, “Most of us only meet the bishop at Confirmation, so this was an amazing opportunity for students to speak with Bishop Barres and be in community together.”
