Carry God’s Light

Senior Ring Mass
Liam Hancox
Salesianum School 2027

Good evening to those who don't know me. My name is Liam Hancox, and I am honored to be giving the Salesian Reflection today. Now, I will be honest: when I received the email from Fr. John informing me I had been chosen to give this reflection, I became extremely nervous. I immediately started thinking of everything I could do to calm down as I delivered my reflection. For some reason, one thing came to mind. That was imagining everyone here like their face had Fr. Brian on it. And now that I have done that, I am even more scared to speak to everyone tonight, so here goes nothing. 

We heard a verse from the readings that stood out to me: “Understand, then, that the LORD, your God, is God indeed, the faithful God who keeps His merciful covenant down to the thousandth generation toward those who love Him and keep His commandments.” When the Oblates founded Salesianum, they had in mind giving boys the opportunity to find God and through God grow into men. In today’s readings, this same message is clear. Understand that through the generations of alumni, God has kept His promise to those who keep theirs. For 123 years, Salesianum Students have been called to not only understand what it means to LIVE Jesus but to be Jesus walking on the face of the earth. Each one of us sitting here today has their own story, and through that story we’ve all been called to do the same thing: how do we discover God’s light in our life and take that light and live it. 

I remember my freshman year starting out like normal, running into the school for the first time and being mobbed by screaming and excited seniors. As I adjusted to Sallies, I did all the usual things. I went to football games, practiced, joined clubs, and hung out with friends. One morning following PREP, me and 30 other Saint Edmond Academy graduates and I were asked to stay back. We were then informed that Gus Sargent, a current 8th grader and a former classmate at Saint Edmonds, had passed away. Days later, we would come to realize Gus had taken his own life. Our entire school community heard about the tragedy that day. It was difficult for everyone, however, it was even harder for a young freshman in high school to grasp.

As the days continued, I felt like I was being weighed down by the anxiety and stress of school. Instead of turning to God when I needed Him most in my life, I stopped praying. I still went to Mass and trusted His plan, but it was getting increasingly harder.  As the anxiety continued to pile up, and each day felt like a chore. It was about mid-January when my parents, who had been with me through this time, guiding me, recommended therapy. Hearing this felt scary. I was a guy at an all-boys school who needed therapy. It didn’t feel right.  However, shortly following weeks of therapy, each day began to get better. I not only realized I needed to take one step at a time but needed to be present in the moment. In early spring, my mom sent me a photo called Footprints in the Sand. It described a man on a beach looking at the sky; across it, images flashed. The man noticed that during his saddest and lowest moments, only one set of footprints appeared. 

The man asked God why that was, and he replied, saying, “I love you, and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.  I love you, and I would never leave you.” After reading this, I paused and realized even though I struggled with trusting His plan and felt distant from God, He was carrying me every step of the way. 

Now, I don’t just tell you this so you can get to know who I am. I tell you this because today, 265 seniors received a ring. These rings aren’t just something we can wear; these rings tell a story. Whether that be not getting into your dream school, an ACL tear, a loss in a state championship, losing a sibling or even a parent, working through a parent’s divorce, battling cancer, getting cut from your favorite sports team, or failing a class you worked so hard to pass.

Through all of these struggles each of us have encountered, we’ve still been asked to carry God’s light with us. Not only do these rings symbolize our struggles, but they highlight all of the amazing feats we as a class have accomplished in our time. We have boasted one of the largest National Honor Society classes, contributed to over 18 state championships, flipped the script on how previous leadership roles were served, built one of the rowdiest lettermen crew, and been on BRIDGE trips to West Virginia, Washington, D.C., El Salvador, Los Angeles, Annecy, El Paso, and St. Louis.

Salesianum gives us the opportunity for four years to do the most growing we will do in our lives. It not only teaches us how to be a gentleman but how to live a fulfilling life. A life that makes God, our parents, grandparents, friends, and teachers proud. 

Mom and Dad, thank you for walking with me every step of the way from my lowest of lows to my highest of highs. You always chose to ask me what I needed and how I was doing. 

Parents of all seniors, thank you for sending your son to this school. Each one of these seniors has made an impact on each other. On behalf of the senior class, thank you for the extraordinary risk you took to show your son how to live a life filled with hard work and determination. 

Seniors, we only have 154 school days until our time at Salesianum comes to a close. We have been blessed by all those surrounding us tonight with one extraordinary opportunity. I challenge you to give all 154 days your everything. When you see this ring, let it be a reminder that God has stayed faithful from the first Oblates and students of Salesianum and will continue to be faithful to us as long as we are faithful to our call. Salesianum is a rare and incredible opportunity that each one of us has got to experience. It’s not over yet. Continue to carry God’s light with you and write that story that you will remember when you look at your ring. 

Many Brothers. One Mission. Live Jesus!