Letter from the Headmaster

Letter from the Headmaster Highlighting Often Overlooked Treasures

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Our feature article tells the wonderful story of Cistercian’s Stations of the Cross Trail. Written by alumnus Joseph Watt ’17, the piece highlights this often overlooked, sacred space on campus, which has blessed generations of students and monks, calling us back into nature and inviting us to reflect on Christ’s Cross as the instrument of our Redemption.

The trail’s history is included, as well as recent improvements (part of our current Capital Campaign) that will ensure it is accessible and sustainable for years to come.

Another highly valued but often overlooked treasure at Cistercian is the number of students who have thrived during their years here in every way, except perhaps for GPA. Our second feature article shares the accounts of just a handful of these students who might have found the all-honors curriculum challenging, but who nonetheless proved essential in making the School such a special place and are now making an impressive impact in the larger world as alums.

“Afterthoughts” offers a pleasant touch of humor from alumnus and current teacher Patrick Spence ’08, who shares his curious experiences teaching Form I for the very first time.

On our back cover—a space long reserved for Fr. Roch’s unique spiritual wisdom—one will find a poignant column from Fr. Thomas, who seamlessly and skillfully carries on this tradition in the same spirit of his beloved mentor and predecessor.

Finally, the 2022-23 Annual Report recognizes the generous and loving support this past year from the Cistercian community. Such generosity is yet another often overlooked treasure that is a sign of God’s provident care as we labor together to form and educate future generations of amazing young men in the Cistercian Tradition.

Enjoy!

Fr. Paul