That evening (5/22) I went to Boston University to honor the 12 recipients of the university's Medeiros scholarships. The scholarship was established by former Boston University president John Silber to honor Cardinal Medeiros, and provides a full four-year scholarship to graduates of Catholic High schools in the archdiocese. In my remarks, I told the students and their families a little about who Cardinal Medeiros was, his experience as an immigrant, and how important an education was in his life. He had been a factory worker in Fall River and was going to drop out of school, but his teachers prevailed upon his parents to allow him to continue his studies. Of course, we know he went on to a brilliant academic career, eventually becoming Archbishop of Boston.

Mass with women superiors

Each year, we have a Mass and a luncheon to which we invite the new superiors of women religious communities that have been elected during the last calendar year. This year, we celebrated the Mass this past Wednesday (5/23) in the Chapel here at the pastoral center. We are very pleased to have this opportunity to welcome them. We are as always grateful for the important work women religious do in our archdiocese and for the important role they play in the church.

Visit with Brazilian Apostolate

That evening (5/23) I went to a dinner hosted by the Brazilian Apostolate. There had been a soccer tournament to which they had invited me but, unfortunately, I was unable to come. They had planned to honor me at the tournament, so instead dinner was held as a sort of "rematch." It was a wonderful evening held at a Brazilian restaurant in Marlborough. The priests and lay leadership of the Brazilian Apostolate were present, along with the team, who presented me with a team jersey with the colors of the Brazilian flag as well as a medal.