From the Principal's Desk 3.23

February 5, 2013                         FORTITUDE    Dear Friends, Why do some succeed and others, just as talented fail?  Often we find that it is the not the strongest or the smartest who win the day, but the one who has the most determination.  We can think of many examples of over achievers and the one unifying characteristic in them is today's topic.  Known by many names, diligence, grit, determination, discipline and several others it is the ability to do what we said we would do, with no exceptions or explanations.  Christian writers call it fortitude.  The ability to see a project through to completion regardless of the cost, pain, discomfort or inconvenience, the very nature of God Himself, as Christ demonstrated when at the Garden of Gethsemane, he stood and embraced Judas went to his death and never turned back. In His imitation, young, old, wealthy, poor, brilliant, challenged, male, female, people of every race, tribe and culture have given their lives through martyrdom both red and white.   Some have dedicated their lives to raising families, living out their vocations honorably, and working diligently their entire lives; others have suffered nobly, waited patiently, and all won gloriously.  Those who have succeeded in life are those who don't quit, who overcome the flesh and do what is right.  Is this a trait we want for our children? For ourselves?  I should hope so! Rudyard Kipling once penned a poem for his son about manly virtue. While the entire poem is an excellent read, there is a poignant stanza where he exhorts his son to be a man by saying "If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew, to serve your turn long after they are gone, and so hold on when there is nothing in you, except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!" This virtue, more than many others, does not have a moral component.  One can exercise great fortitude for evil as much as for good which is why it must be mated to a strong moral conviction.  For  virtue practiced in small ways, in the competition of homework, in training or chores, will lead to greatness and eventually if set to right, will lead to heaven. Duc in Altum! Timothy Gallic Principal, Holy Family High School 303-410-1411 p.s. Thank you very much for the prayers and cards regarding the birth our daughter, Alanna.  She and Mom are doing very well.  p.p.s. If you have any questions, comments, cares or criticisms please do not hesitate to send them in.