Coming Home, Leaving a Legacy

by Dr. Damian Zynda, Director of Mission and Ministry

Sitting in my office, directly across the hall from Christian Verghese, the Director of Service and Justice (and Mathematics teacher extraordinaire), one day I overheard a conversation between Christian and a Middle School student. As the student looked at the chart that lays out the flow of Jesuit formation (almost 15 years from novitiate to ordination), the lad noted, “Mr. Verghese, is this how long it takes to be a Jesuit?” Mr. Verghese, “Yes, it is a long time!” Not skipping a beat, the very observant lad said, “Mr. Verghese, this thing (formation) needs some ‘Chutes and Ladders!” (referring to the children’s game of the same name.)

While this student seems to have been overwhelmed with the lengthy and thorough formation a Jesuit receives, what is not lost on this child is the gift this particular Jesuit is to the students and adult community of McQuaid Jesuit. As a Jesuit, Christian’s presence has been centered on embodying and promoting the school's mission of "educating men for and with others." Through his work as a teacher and coach, he has strived to instill in his students a commitment to service, intellectual rigor, and a sense of personal responsibility. There is no doubt, Christian’s Jesuit formation has helped him model these values and, hopefully, to inspire his students to pursue them as well.

Returning to McQuaid Jesuit has been a deeply meaningful experience for Christian. He noted, “This school has played such an important role in my life, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to give back to it in some small way. It has been a privilege to work alongside talented and dedicated colleagues, to mentor and challenge my students, and to be part of a community that values academic excellence and personal growth.”

Like all the great teachers, administrators and coaches before him, Christian leaves a legacy. His legacy will be one of service, compassion, and academic rigor. As a teacher, coach, and advisor, he worked diligently to create a classroom and athletic environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to justice. Without question, Christian’s students will remember him as someone who challenged them to reach their full potential, who cared about their wellbeing as whole persons, and who inspired them to use their gifts to make a positive impact on the world.

Being at McQuaid Jesuit these past few years has been a source of tremendous personal and professional growth for Christian. As a teacher, he had the opportunity to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds and learned from their diverse perspectives. As Director of Service and Justice he had the chance to collaborate with talented and supportive colleagues, who challenged him to become a better educator and leader. Through his involvement in the school's athletics program, Christian gained valuable experience in coaching, mentoring, and team building.

In July 2023, after three years of Regency, Christian leaves McQuaid Jesuit for the next stage in his Jesuit formation, theological studies in Boston in preparation for priesthood (another three and a half years leading to his Ordination as a Jesuit Priest). As he prepares to leave McQuaid Jesuit, Christian hopes to take with him a sense of gratitude for all that this school has given him, and a commitment to continuing to live out its mission in his life and work. Christian hopes to stay connected with the McQuaid Jesuit community, and to support its continued growth and success in any way he can. Above all, Christian Verghese SJ hopes to carry the lessons and values he learned at McQuaid Jesuit, and to continue to strive to be a person for and with others.