Archbishop Nelson Perez was at Maternity BVM Parish last week, celebrating Mass and visiting the school.
The Mass was concelebrated by the Rev. Joseph Maloney, pastor, who was two years behind Perez at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; the Rev. Edward Kearns, senior priest; and the Rev. Robert Bollinger, parochial vicar, whom Perez ordained last May.
During Mass, Maternity BVM students served as readers and altar servers, presented the offertory gifts, sang in the choir and placed flowers at the base of the statue of Mary.
In his homily, Perez noted that Pope Leo XIV has asked Catholics to fast from hurtful words during Lent. The archbishop asked students what they like about their school and, based on the Gospel reading, what they wish for. And he asked principal Sally Unger and teachers to stand to be recognized.
The school presented Perez with a Maternity BVM sweatshirt and a picture of Jesus drawn by students Genessis Jaquez and Maliyah Arnold.
After Mass, Perez greeted parishioners and posed for a picture on the altar with the choir.
Students formed a receiving line outside the school and in the hallway to welcome Perez, with a sign above the doors reading, “Maternity BVM welcomes Archbishop Nelson Perez.” The archbishop met with student council officers in the library before his departure. ••
