November 2020: The Hope of Advent

Dear Members of the Archmere Community,

On Saturday evening, November 28, my wife, Diane, and I were invited to attend Solemn Advent Vespers at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA, to begin the year-long celebration of the 900^th anniversary of the founding of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, or as we more commonly know them, the priests and brothers of the Norbertine Order. I was invited to address the assembly on the topic of how the charism of Saint Norbert is a part of our Archmere experience today. I plan to share my address with the Archmere community at another time, because now I want to share with you my impressions of the Saturday evening experience while it is still very fresh in my mind. Also, our school community will be included in the international celebration that will last through the 2021 Christmas season.

We were greeted enthusiastically at the door by Abbot Domenic Rossi and the Prior of the Abbey, Fr. John Zagarella, O.Praem. We walked to the dining room, where other Norbertines, whom I knew as former trustees and my former teachers at Archmere, warmly welcomed us. A hallmark of Norbertine charism is radical hospitality, and we certainly felt “at home” at the Abbey.

 

Following a socially distanced dinner with the community, we took our place in the Abbey Church as Vespers began with a beautiful prelude, “How Bright Appears the Morning Star” by J.S. Bach, presented by a quintet of voices, accompanied by instrumentalists. Saint Norbert is known for his deep devotion to the eucharist and his attention to detail in the celebration of liturgy. Saint Norbert must have been smiling on Saturday evening, as the music and prayers were uplifted by the assembly of the Norbertine community and other people in the assembly who made a special effort to join the celebration. Another component of Norbertine charism are beautiful liturgical celebrations, with attention to every detail, including music and environment.

 

As I experienced the events of the evening and afterwards during the drive home, I thought about the many Norbertines I knew that were my teachers, friends, coworkers, and mentors. I thought about the deep devotion they had to their ministry and work they accomplished in sustaining a sense of community that was vibrant, welcoming, and substantive. At profession, Norbertines take vows that include language that dedicates them to a particular Abbey - a specific place from which to serve the community around them. The Norbertines of Saint Norbert Abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin, founded and staffed Archmere Academy in 1932. In later years, Norbertines from Daylesford Priory and then, Abbey, joined the administration and teaching staff of the Academy.

 

I felt a sense of gratitude in having been introduced to the Norbertine community through Archmere Academy. Though my first choice for high school, it was a significant financial stretch for my parents who sent three older sons to another high school in the area. Thanks to the support of my parents and the generous judgment of former Archmere headmaster, Father Justin E. Diny, O.Praem., I had the opportunity to attend Archmere. I thought about that eventful moment in April of 1972 when I was told by my parents that I was going to Archmere last Saturday evening. Forty eight years later, I, now as Headmaster of Archmere Academy, was addressing the members of the Norbertine community of Daylesford Abbey and guests! “How did that happen?” I asked myself.  

 

Gareth Haynes, Director of Music at Daylesford Abbey and Fr. Andrew Ciferni, O.Praem., wrote the music and lyrics to a hymn marking the 900^th Anniversary of the Norbertine Order. It concludes with the lines, “We stand with dreams and hopes now and to come; We look to God who calls us each anew.” Advent is a season of hope. Saint Norbert gave hope to a medieval world through his vision of a new sense of community. I was offered an opportunity as a 14 year old student that turned into a career and ministry I could never have imagined. We are living through challenging days of a pandemic, but we must continue to have hope - the hope of Advent: Emmanuel - God-with-us.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. '76
Headmaster