Students at Cristo Rey Boston High School received a special visitor today as they met Seán Cardinal O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Cardinal O'Malley has been the Archbishop of Boston since 2003, and was named a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006.

The school was energized by his visit, his first since the school opened its doors at 100 Savin Hill Avenue last July. The Cardinal visited every class in the school, observing and engaging in topics from theology to the social revolution. He toured the building and graciously met each staff member and student he encountered with warmth and kindness. He met with a small group of students in the school's service club Agape to discuss their work and a variety of other topics. Of this time, senior Phillip Benevides remarked, "the Cardinal was very interested in us and even went out of his way to support our upcoming service trip to Camden, NJ. He wished us well, and told us what we were doing was really wonderful and to update him when we return. We also talked about the name of the club, which means 'love' in Greek, which he knew because he speaks seven or so languages!"

All seniors in the Agape Club are assigned a particular month in which they can select a service project for the school, and the Cardinal offered advice and guidance on where the students could make an impact. Philip states, "he suggested we visit a nursing home as one option, in addition to another idea I had for my month, April, to hold a one-day day care in the school -- open to siblings of students and other community members -- as a way to thank them for welcoming us into the Boston area."

Students and staff alike remarked at the Cardinal's genuine interest in the school. A day to remember for us all!