Patron Saints

The Academy’s principal patron is the great Marian apostle, St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673–1716). Born in Brittany, France, he became a priest and missionary dedicated to spreading devotion to Jesus through Mary. Despite great opposition, he preached parish missions throughout western France—particularly in the Vendée region—leaving a lasting spiritual impact that would later inspire resistance during the French Revolution.

St. Louis founded two religious congregations and authored several influential works on Marian devotion, most notably True Devotion to Mary. At the Academy, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is seen as essential to the formation of a true Catholic man. Inspired by True Devotion, students are encouraged to consecrate themselves to Our Lady as her “slaves of love,” following the method laid out by St. Louis. His writings—especially True Devotion to Mary—serve as daily spiritual nourishment for both staff and students.

St. John Bosco (1815–1888), affectionately called “Don Bosco,” was a priest known for his zeal in educating and sanctifying boys. From a young age, he gathered other boys to entertain them—on the condition that they pray the Rosary afterward. This apostolic spirit led him to found the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Turin, Italy, offering boys a place to pray, learn, and grow.

The Oratory soon expanded to include vocational training in trades such as tailoring, shoemaking, and printing. Don Bosco’s mystical dreams and prophecies offered moral lessons that still resonate today. A model of holiness, joy, and fatherly care, St. John Bosco is a beloved patron of the Academy and a shining example for all educators.

Recognizing that true formation extends beyond the classroom, the Academy places strong emphasis on personal conduct—speech, dress, manners, and courtesy.

A central tool in this effort is The Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility by St. John Baptist de La Salle (1651–1719), founder of the Christian Brothers.

This text offers timeless principles for shaping the character of young men. St. John Baptist’s emphasis on discipline, respect, and Christian virtue aligns perfectly with the Academy’s mission. His work is integrated into student life and held up as a model of Christian education.