Pax et Bonum Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 4

President’s Message Dear Friends of St. Francis, In 1940, the world was focused on World War II, music by Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby and Duke Ellington topped the musical charts, and we saw the creation of popular foods still around today like M&M’s and Cheerios! In Sacramento, St. Francis High School was founded with a class of twelve young women on the top floor of St. Francis Elementary School on K Street. Our 75th Anniversary Jubilee Year has provided perspective on the high school experiences that we don’t always enjoy in the moment. As our seniors began the journey in their final year as Troubies - it was a series “of lasts!” • … the last homecoming rally, • the last father daughter dance, • the last school-wide liturgy, • the last time we gather as a class on our campus. What we know is that whenever there are two Troubies or more gathered, there is a memory rekindled, a shared experience that bonds them, or a Kairos cross that connects them. They share those four years last a lifetime - remembering their transformational years as a St. Francis Troubadour. Over the last four years, I’ve journeyed with the Minions - the Class of 2016. As we began in the summer of 2012, their experiences were the first of everything. My experience was an opportunity to see the sisterhood that brought me back to St. Francis. We shared that same bond of sisterhood although we are separated by many decades between my graduation and theirs. The campus and camaraderie has stood the test of time nurtured and stewarded for these many years and is alive and well. We see graduates who embody the four pillars of a St. Francis education - Faith, Excellence, Leadership and Service - in every graduating class. Being stewards of the future means more than what we as individuals can achieve. It is a vision of hope, a call to make a difference, and to continue to believe we are called to serve. We must also steward the mission at St. Francis for future young women to the sisterhood with our continued support and commitment. This year has been a true celebration of the legacy of St. Francis. It has been, and remains, my greatest honor to come back to St. Francis in the capacity of President. I humbly thank you for the privilege and wish for peace to be with you in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. May we always be united as a faith community through our love for God and for each other. In the Spirit of Pax et Bonum, Margo Reid Brown ’81 President 4