Article by Phoenix writer Mia Habert ’22:
For the first time in almost two years, the Kellenberg Memorial family was back together on Thursday, September 23 for the Mass for the Marianist Martyrs. The entire student body was ecstatic to have back a sense of normalcy for the day. Father Daniel Griffin S.M. celebrated the Mass for the Latin school, Freshmen, and Sophomore divisions. Father Thomas Cardone S.M. celebrated the Junior and Senior division Mass.
In his homily, Father Tom reflected on the lives of some of the martyrs and their impact. On September 18, we celebrate the sacrifice of the Marianist Martyrs of Ciudad. Many of these martyrs devoted their lives to teaching, much like the Marianist community right here at Kellenberg.
The martyrs honored were Blessed Miguel Leibar Garay, Blessed Florencio Arnaiz Cejudo, and Blessed Fidel Fuido, among others. During the lifetimes of these martyrs, they spoke out on the church’s stances during the Spanish Civil War.
Specifically, during 1936, the first year of the war, the religious community was under a great deal of persecution. In John 15:13 it states that “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.”
These men were more than prepared to make that ultimate sacrifice to defend their faith. This Mass was a fitting way to reunite the Kellenberg family. As a community, we were able to reunite and reflect on the past of our faith while simultaneously looking forward towards the future as we reconnect.
