May 31, 2025

Bishop tells Pope Francis Class of 2025 to live their faith and ‘stand out’

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

SPRINGFIELD-  Family, friends and faculty joined 88 graduates at Pope Francis Preparatory High School in Springfield for the Class of 2025 Commencement on Thursday, May 29 at 4 p.m. All are attending college except for four graduates. One is entering the United States Merchant Marine Academy, another is joining the U.S. Navy and two are a doing post graduate year, one at Wilbraham Monson Academy, the other at Deerfield Academy, to continue their pursuit of athletics at the collegiate level.  

Before the ceremony, Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne passed out presents to the graduates. He had medals blessed by Pope Francis before his passing in April. The medals counted up to 88, the exact number of students graduating. The bishop told the students it was a sign from God to share these with Pope Francis seniors on behalf of Pope Francis interceding for them. In his address to graduates, Bishop Byrne told them it is most important to stand on their own two feet as individuals.

“You have got to be a person of gratitude, recognize how gifted you are and that you are un-repeatable. Your goal is not to try and fit in. The goal is trying to stand out in whatever possible way God is calling you to be. Which means God is calling you to be you, with a specific set of gifts and talents as unique as your DNA. Can I get an, Amen?” said Bishop Byrne. The crowd enthusiastically replied, “Amen.”

Thirty-four seniors have attended Catholic school since kindergarten, wearing white cords over their gowns. One of them was salutatorian, Hannah Rose Fanelli, who will be attending Providence College in the fall to study history and theater. Fanelli has performed in plays for all four years that she attended Pope Francis. She recently starred as Maria in the production of “The Sound of Music.”

Fanelli lives in Hardwick where she attended Catholic school. She is a parishioner at St. Aloysius Parish in Gilbertville. In her speech, she referenced Jeremiah 29:11, where the God says, “for I know the plans I have for you,” and told her classmates to follow him as they pursue other endeavors.

Salutatorian Hannah Fanelli poses for a picture with Bishop William D. Byrne at the Pope Francis Graduation, Thursday, May 29.

Fanelli, a member of the Christian leadership team and music ministry, said she was also touched by the gift from Bishop Byrne.

“That is incredible to receive those medals because coming here, we learned more about Pope Francis and his commitment to the poor and the marginalized. I think that is really beautiful and I would love to emulate that in my life,” said Fanelli.

Fanelli said she is excited to grow in her faith at Providence College and has made contact with the liturgical choir there. She said attending Pope Francis helped give her the confidence to move forward in this direction.

Diplomas were awarded to the Class of 2025 by Thomas Butler, chair of the board of directors at Pope Francis, Paul Harrington, head of school and Bishop Byrne.  

Valedictorian Jack Murphy will be attending Northeastern University in the fall where he will major in mathematics and physics. Murphy, a parishioner at Mary Mother of Hope Parish in Springfield, said by attending Pope Francis he has grown in his faith. Murphy, a gifted musician, said his time at Pope Francis has allowed him to become familiar with his own strengths and abilities.

“I think I have gained a knowledge here of how to have a good work ethic, despite anything that might be in your way, to achieve what you want to achieve with determination and having that ambition to learn,” said Murphy.

After the last student received his diploma, the graduates moved their tassels to the left and threw their hats in the air to celebrate.

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS