These Graduates Are Ready for the Good Fight
These Graduates Are Ready for the Good Fight
By John Ritchie
No empty platitudes, no sugary words about rosy futures, no false optimism were present at St. Louis de Montfort Academy's 2026 Commencement Exercises.
The Class of 2026 celebrated their achievements at the Academy with great joy. At the same time, they understood the challenges that await them and the responsibility they carry.
To keep the Catholic Faith intact in a hostile culture requires great courage. To remain pure in a culture that broadcasts impurity takes heroic bravery. To stand up for God in a world that rejects Him takes more than average faith.
Thank God, there is nothing average about the formation the Academy offers young Catholic men. At this boarding school for boys, students are spiritually prepared and eager to fight the good fight. And the commencement ceremony reflected that spirit.
Rev. Fr. James Smith, FSSP, pastor of the quasi-parish of St. Lawrence, celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the graduates. He encouraged them to practice and develop the theological virtue of charity.
The commencement exercises began at noon with the Regina Coeli, followed by a rendition of Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above performed by the Academy band. Headmaster Ted Huerena presented the graduates and exhorted them to keep their souls fixed on the glory of the coming Reign of Mary foretold by St. Louis de Montfort.
Mr. Michael Whitcraft, regional director of the TFP in Los Angeles, California, delivered the commencement address.
He said in part:
“...if you let Her, Our Lady will strengthen you for all the battles of life, in spite of your weakness."
“St. Louis de Montfort compares those who attain sanctity outside of the secret of Mary to a sculptor making a statue out of stone. The sculptor must weigh each and every blow he gives his hammer, lest he destroy the entire piece. Likewise, those who seek to sanctify themselves outside of total consecration to Mary must engage in a long, nerve-wracking process that threatens disaster at every moment.
“However, those formed in Mary are like statues made in a mold. Mary is the mold of Our Lord, and She uses this mold to cast Her slaves into the image and likeness of Christ, whom She gestated and bore. If we take advantage of this, Our Lady will cast us in Her mold, and there will be no fear of error and no interminable wait to attain our goal.
“Each soul formed in Mary is perfectly crafted, in the quickest, most secure and most perfect way possible. That is why St. Louis de Montfort said that the saints of the past, sculpted without this special intercession of Mary, are like blades of grass, whereas the saints of the latter days who would allow themselves to be cast in Our Lady will be like the giant cedars of Lebanon.
“The TFP's founder, Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira, echoed these sentiments. He explained that this devotion is a special gift for modern men, because we are weaker than the generations that came before us. In Her mercy, Our Lady has pitied our weakness and given us a stronger and more perfect path than our predecessors.
“He explained that sanctity is like the peak of a mountain. The saints of old had to climb this mountain, in constant danger of falling, injury, and exhaustion. Nevertheless, they persevered and reached the summit.
“However, those predilect souls who participate in the Secret of Mary are like crippled lambs who approach the mountain and gaze at its dizzying heights. Mindful of their weakness, they cry out to Mary, protesting their incapacity to take even the first step. Our Lady then takes pity on their weakness and sends an eagle to pick them up and carry them to the mountain’s summit.”
Mr. Vincent Maleski was valedictorian, and his remarks elicited enthusiastic applause from his fellow graduates and the families gathered for the solemn occasion.
In thanksgiving for all the blessings received through the mercy of Our Lady, the ceremony concluded with the chanting of the Magnificat.
After a formal lunch, the Academy's Holy Choice of Angels Band delighted guests with an outdoor presentation of patriotic music—including brass, drums, fifes, and bagpipes—which ended with the solemn lowering of the American flag on campus.
Two things stood out during the event. First, the graduates and students of the Academy see the world's terrible state and refuse to hide in fear. They desire to follow God's call, oppose the neo-pagan culture, and help restore Christian Civilization. At the same time, acknowledging that the task is far beyond their human strength, they turn with confidence to the Mother of God, “our life, our sweetness, and our hope.”
The five graduates leave the Academy after years of formation in Catholic doctrine, devotion to Our Lady, academic study, and leadership. Their accomplishments reflect not only their own perseverance but also the sacrifices of their families, teachers, and benefactors.
Graduates from the Class of 2026
- Rafael Almeida Diniz
- Daniel James Dunlap
- Vincent Xavier Maleski
- Nicolas Francesco Nabhan
- Juan Luis Solorzano (dux litterarum)