Diocesan News

Queens Students Continue Pope Francis’ Environmental Mission With Tree Planting

October 2, 2025
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St. John’s Preparatory High School Junior Ladies of Charity member Ariana Yebez and International Association of Charities International President Tayde de Callataÿ join classmates and moderator Pat Mulé in celebrating the planting of a tree dedicated to Pope Francis on the front lawn of St. John’s Prep. (Photos: Alexandra Moyen)

ASTORIA — On the front lawn of St. John’s Preparatory High School, a new symbol of hope is taking root — a tree dedicated to the late Pope Francis, who championed environmentalism throughout his 12-year pontificate.  

The dedication was led by the Ladies of Charity USA, part of the International Association of Charities (AIC), which has embarked on an environmental initiative to plant trees around the world.

Locally, the effort was supported by the Junior Ladies of Charity at St. John’s Prep, under the guidance of moderator Pat Mulé, who also holds the same role at Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy in Astoria. Mulé is also the chair of Immaculate Conception’s Board of Trustees.  

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Ariana Yebez, a senior at St. John’s Prep, said the Junior Ladies want the tree to inspire others. 

“We’re hoping that the future generations here will have an idea of what we did now,” Ariana said, “and we’re giving them hope that there’s something that they can continue.” 

The Sept. 24 dedication ceremony coincided with a visit from Tayde de Callataÿ, the international president of the AIC, who met with the Junior Ladies at both St. John’s Prep and Immaculate Conception. 

After the tree planting at St. John’s Preparatory High School, International Association of Charities International President Tayde de Callataÿ visited Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy for lunch with more Junior Ladies of Charity, who welcomed her with a handmade banner, flowers, and cookies.

“I’m always so impressed by all the beautiful work, the commitment, the creativity, the joy, the caring and love of all these ladies and all generations, and it’s really nice to see younger girls wanting to join and be so touched by the charism we all share,” de Callataÿ said. “For us, it’s most important that it continues.” 

She said she was especially touched by the dedication of the tree to Pope Francis, who she described as someone who “represented joy” and emphasized the importance of nature. 

After the tree planting at St. John’s Preparatory High School, members of the school’s Junior Ladies of Charity show International Association of Charities International President Tayde de Callataÿ an award they received from the St. John’s Bread in recognition of their charitable work. (Photo: Alexandra Moyen)

“He had been supporting us all those years when he was pope,” de Callataÿ said. “I’m really happy that they chose to dedicate to him this beautiful tree.”  

After the tree was planted with a white ribbon symbolizing remembrance and hope, it was blessed by Father Charles Gilley, director of guidance and counseling at St. John’s Prep. He said it was a great way to honor Pope Francis’ legacy.  

“It’s very nice continuing the mission of Pope Francis to beautify the earth and preserve the earth,” Father Gilley said. “It’s always a wonderful thing to look at creation for all its beauty and to maintain it.”