Reflection written by Dylan Rhoton '24.

Throughout the first quarter, my classmates and I have learned about the history of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, who founded Brother Martin, and the effect they have on us currently. Pairing with what we have learned about the Brothers in our Religion 8 class, the Eighth Grade Day of Reflection took place at Saint Stanislaus College, which is a Brothers school in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Before the day’s events began, we were presented with a question: What does it mean to me that God loves me? I thought about this all day, carefully considering each facet of my answer. We first began as we do all things at Brother Martin, in prayer. Then, we listened to a speech by Mr. Randy Hernandez, the great-nephew of Brother Martin Hernandez, S.C. We learned about the symbol of the Sacred Heart and its importance--I reflected on how the flame in the heart represents the eternal burning love that God has for me and how this affects my spirituality and faith life. Next was one of the most moving parts of our experience, the Brothers’ graveyard. 

My class has been learning about the Brothers for six weeks and we especially learned about the first five who journeyed from France. Naturally, I was in awe when it came time for us to see their graves because I felt as if I was truly in the presence of a special history. I loved the feeling of being there alongside the people who dedicated their lives to my peers and me. After this moving moment, we listened to testimonials from teachers and current upperclassmen about their high school experience; these speeches accentuated the love I feel for Brother Martin and it was nice to relate to faculty members. Also, it was inspiring to see where some members of the community have come from and where they are now. The final segment of our journey was the most beautiful in my opinion. We walked out to the pier over Bay Saint Louis and we were given a reflection worksheet about our lives in relation to Fr. André Coindre’s life and the Holy Spirit. Feeling the cool breeze and seeing the waves crashing onto shore made me feel like I belong. The pier was so prayerful and serene--it was probably the best example of what means to reflect. 

Then at the end of the day, we drove back to Brother Martin and had Mass. I must say that Mass might have been one of the best I have ever attended. Father Sidney Shields was so energetic and full of zeal, which is coincidentally how Father Andre Coindre is described. The Mass was a great way to tie together the whole day and end it on a very high note. This retreat was truly a phenomenal experience that I will remember for years to come especially because of its many ties to the Brothers and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Coming back to the big concluding question, I think that God truly has a plan for me which involves strong growth in my spirituality as I start my five years at Brother Martin High School. 

 - Dylan Rhoton '24