The following is a note from Fr. Pilarz, S.J. to the Georgetown Prep community on Friday, January 12.
Dear Friends,
On the occasion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I want to connect the dreams articulated by Dr. King with the mission of Georgetown Prep that is animated by the vision of St. Ignatius and the aspirations of John Carroll.
These three men, while separated by centuries, are united in their understanding of human dignity grounded in God's grace. All three took risks to promote justice and inclusivity.
Georgetown Prep has a history of promoting the values cherished by St. Ignatius, John Carroll, and Dr. King. Our Year of Reconciliation is the most recent iteration of our shared commitment. During this year, we have faced our institutional failures and challenges, but always with an eye toward how we can do better at achieving our highest ideals and aspirations as the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit school.
I am not ready to say goodbye yet. We have a semester of important work yet to do. As I look back over my privileged time with you, however, I am struck most by the quality of our community, or "brotherhood" as our students rightfully refer to it.
Our brothers are from places as different as Bethesda and Benin City, Nigeria; Potomac and Panama; Northwest, Washington, D.C., and Nicaragua; Baltimore and Beijing; Hyattsville and Haiti. No other American Jesuit school can compare to our band of brothers. We cherish every one of you.
Earlier today I heard a spokesman from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center say that we should not think of this Monday as a day off but a day on: a day on to actively promote justice, equality and opportunity. I like to think that at Prep every day is a "day on" in the promotion of our mission.
God bless you, and God bless Georgetown Prep.
Sincerely,
Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President