During Pope Francis’ Lenten message this year he states, “During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ.” This Lenten season, it feels as though I’ve relied, more than ever, on my faith and the desire to be as hope-filled as possible for me, my family, the AAPI community, SJND, the Bay Area, and our country.
The recent horrific acts of hate and violence against the AAPI community truly saddens and angers me. Being the daughter of Filipino immigrants, I have witnessed and experienced similar acts of hate, bias, and racism my entire life. The Lenten season has reminded me how important it is for us to stand in solidarity against systems and institutions that wrong communities of color. By being united, we increase our chances of prevailing against injustice and inequity.
Easter celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation. Working with and witnessing SJND students taking action, emphasizing the importance of truth, and sharing their narratives inspires so much hope and love for the upcoming Easter season and beyond. Students like Jaida Sieu, Grade 11, who marched to bring more awareness to the hate against the AAPI community and was
interviewed on a local news channel KRON 4. And alumni like Anne Luna '03 who
put together an anti-hate PSA which was featured on ABC 7. Note: this video contains graphic language and depicts actual acts of violence. Please watch at your own discretion.
I pray that you have a blessed Holy Week and ask that you take some time to consider ways you can bring hope, truth, and love to the Easter season.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." - 1 Peter 1:3
Julianna Guevara
Principal
