Installation of Bishop Solis inspires essays describing journeys of faith by Our Lady of Lourdes students

Friday, Mar. 17, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY – The installation Mass of Bishop Oscar A. Solis as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake was a historic event for Utah Catholics. The event was attended by many – including two student representatives from each of Utah’s 16 Catholic schools.

Our Lady of Lourdes Principal Christine Bergquist said she didn’t know how to choose which students to represent the school. 

“All of our students are worthy of this opportunity,” she said, so she turned it into a teaching opportunity by inviting students in grades 6-8 to write an essay focusing on why they would like to attend the installation Mass. The assignment emphasized the importance of writing skills, but more importantly she wanted the essay to promote insightful thought on their faith journey.

“A Catholic education offers a place where academic excellence and faith formation flourish. Opportunities like these help us to fulfill our mission,” Bergquist said.

Many of the essays embodied the assignment and reflected individual faith journeys. 

The students chosen to attend were Mary Clare O’Brien and Myriam Cortez. 

O’Brien also was selected as one of two students from all the campuses to welcome Bishop Solis on behalf of Utah Catholic Schools.

Bergquist told the girls that attending the installation Mass of the new bishop was a significant honor because the bishop is “the next closest thing” to the pope and she was proud to have them represent Our Lady of Lourdes School.

Both O’Brien and Cortez described their emotions during the installation Mass as “amazing and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” 

O’Brien also expressed stronger emotions. “It was such an honor to represent the Catholic students,” she said. “I felt a lot of holiness and it was amazing to be part of something bigger in my faith.”