By Marnie McAllister, Record Assistant Editor
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz shared a personal story from his childhood during the Archdiocese of Louisville’s annual back-to-school Mass for elementary school teachers today, Aug. 8, the feast of St. Dominic.
The archbishop related his story during the homily while holding a well-worn hardback book.
“This book was given to me on Christmas of 1958,” he said. “You do the math. I was then in seventh grade.”
St. Dominic and the Rosary was a gift from the archbishop’s older sister, Rose, he explained. The gift would prove to be “transformational” in his life.
He urged the Catholic educators to remember that, while students often have challenges in their homes that affect their school lives, students also have unique joys and gifts in their families that can enhance their classes as well.
The liturgy, celebrated at St. Gabriel Church in Fern Creek, drew about 750 educators. A story about this gathering and the archbishop’s message to teachers will appear next week.
