Detective Steven McDonald was the featured speaker at a Lenten assembly at St. John’s Prep, Astoria.

He spoke about the topic of “Faith and Forgiveness,” sharing how he had been shot as a young police officer in New York City and left quadriplegic. To a rapt audience, he explained how he came to feel that only his faith and his ultimate ability to forgive his attacker had enabled him to go on.

He further explained that he believed God had enabled him to survive in order to carry on his unique mission of speaking on the power of forgiveness. He urged the students to realize that each of them was also special with a unique mission to fulfill.

Detective McDonald’s presentation was greeted by a thunderous standing ovation. On behalf of the school community, in appreciation of his visit and his message, Student Council President Rose Occhino, and Vice-President Thomas Oddermatt, presented Detective McDonald with a personalized St. John’s Prep sports jacket and check to his favorite charity – The American Special Children’s Pilgrimage Group.