PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Pope Leo XIV got a special video greeting from several hundred middle school students assembled for a Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan in the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph.
It was the second graduation Mass this year for eighth graders in the diocese completing their elementary school education.
The co-cathedral was filled on May 8 with students from 35 schools or Catholic academies in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The day also marked the first-year anniversary of Pope Leo’s pontificate.
To celebrate the milestone, Father James Kuroly, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the diocese, led the students in a video message to the first American-born pontiff.
“Pope Leo,” they all shouted, “we love you!”
The youthful congregation was supplemented by teachers, chaperones, administrators, and parish pastors.
During his homily, Bishop Brennan made note of the concurrent cause for celebrating Pope Leo’s first full year leading as pontiff.
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“There’s a guy who went to a Catholic school in an American city, and God asked him to lead his universal Church,” Bishop Brennan said. “That’s pretty incredible when you think about it.
“When he was in the eighth grade at a public school in Chicago, do you think he ever thought about being the pope? So, we pray for him in a special way today, too.”
The graduation Mass was bittersweet for Ashley Civitano from Holy Family Catholic Academy in Fresh Meadows. She plans to attend Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in East Elmhurst.
“I’ve been in the same school since kindergarten,” she said. “So, moving to a different school and being with completely different people is kind of scary. But it’s also exciting, because I’m going to meet new people, make new friends, and have a new beginning.”
Ashley’s classmate, Isabella Leyva, expressed similar feelings as she prepares to enter St. Francis Preparatory School, also in Fresh Meadows.
“Throughout the years, we’ve made a lot of memories,” she said. “Since everyone’s parting ways and going to their high schools, it’s definitely going to be a big change. I’m just going to miss them.”
Fabrina Elie from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy in Prospect Lefferts Gardens said she thinks a lot about entering Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, and even beyond.
“I get a little shaken when I think, ‘What am I going to do in my career, and what am I going to do for a living?’ ” she said. “But my teachers helped me. They let me know that God will help me get through it. God has already made a path for me.
“He already knows that I’m going to succeed.”
During the homily, Bishop Brennan also reminded students that God keeps his promises, but that doesn’t make students immune from tough times. What is certain, the bishop said, is a friendship with Jesus Christ, who will be with them always.
Bishop Brennan also reminded them that they are loved “beyond belief” by their families, the people at their schools, their bishop, and the creator God in heaven.
He urged the grads to stay connected with the faith through the vibrant youth programs at local parishes. He referred them to a website that links users to the organizations.
A similar gathering occurred on May 1 at the Co-Cathedral, but with 32 schools.
The 2025-2026 school year was the third year in which two Masses were scheduled to accommodate the more than 1,000 students destined for high school.
