Dear Panther Families,
I am excited to announce that our theme for the 2023-2024 school year is Viva Cristo Rey or "Long Live Christ the King"! This phrase was the rallying cry of the Cristeros during the intense persecution of Catholics in Mexico by the Mexican government in the 1920's. A great example for our kids to look to from the Cristero movement is St. Jose Sanchez del Rio; he was martyred at the age of 14 for courageously refusing to renounce his faith, and his dying words were "Viva Cristo Rey"! In a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to the faith, to the truth, and to people of faith, what a perfect phrase to have on our lips as we boldly stand true to Jesus Christ and to our Catholic roots and identity!
"Viva Cristo Rey" or "Long Live Christ the King" also begs the question of us - "Who is the king of my life?" Is Christ my King? Or is the king of my life sports, money, honors & awards, popularity & fame, or pleasure & thrills?
My prayer for our new school year is that we are given the grace to profess with our words and our actions that Jesus Christ is the King of our lives, of our school, of our families, and of the world! Viva Cristo Rey!
Fr. Labenz