Article by Phoenix writer Cristina Palmieri ’25:
On September 14, the Kellenberg Memorial family gathered for the Triumph of the Cross Prayer Service, which marks the spiritual beginning of the school year.
In addition to 2,700 Kellenberg students, members of the Little Sisters of the Poor, students of St. Martin De Porres Marianist School, and Kellenberg parents and faculty attended the ceremony.
The service took place in the main parking lot, right under the beautiful cross that stands across from the front steps. This cross was actually the first symbol of Christ that was built for Kellenberg when the school first opened its doors.
Father Thomas Cardone S.M., Kellenberg’s school chaplain, has led the service since its origin in 1992. “Starting all those years ago with not so many kids here, and now with 3,000 people praying together has been amazing,” remarked Fr. Tom. “If you think about it, it is one of the few times the whole family is together. For all the pep rallies or masses, we are in three separate rooms. For the Triumph of the Cross, we all get to pray together in one area, which is why I think it is so special. You really get to see that one heart, one mind that we really emphasize.”
Both faculty and staff love this annual tradition. Junior Kate Murphy said, “I think it’s cool that the Triumph of the Cross really starts the school year in a religious sense. You attend it with your friends, and bond through your faith to begin the year.”
The Triumph of the Cross Prayer Service was a beautiful ceremony, paving the way to a great school year.
