November 2025
Dear Graduates of Chaminade and Kellenberg Memorial,
November is a month that begins with a burst of celebration and gratitude. On November 1, the Church honors all the saints—those canonized by name and those known only to God – men and women who ran the race of faith and reached the finish line of heaven. On November 2, I will be literally running a race – the New York City Marathon for the 5th time – 26.2 miles through the streets of the greatest city in the world! And at the end of the month, our nation pauses for Thanksgiving, a day set aside to remember God’s blessings.
Running a marathon and striving for holiness might seem worlds apart, but they are surprisingly similar. Both require preparation. I ran over 400 miles to prepare for NYC. You don’t wake up one morning and decide to run 26.2 miles without training. Likewise, you don’t become a saint by accident. The saints had habits of prayer, discipline, and service that prepared them to say “yes” to God in both ordinary and extraordinary moments. Marathon training forces you to show up on the days you feel strong and on the days you’d rather stay home. Holiness is no different – there are mornings when prayer feels effortless, and there are days when it feels like work. But showing up is how we grow.
In both running and the spiritual life, perseverance is key. Every marathoner hits “the wall,” a moment when your body and mind scream that you can’t go any farther. That’s when you have to dig deep, remember your purpose, and push forward. Spiritually, “the wall” might be discouragement, doubt, or weariness in serving others. The saints teach us to push through those moments by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ. Hebrews 12:1-2 says it plainly: “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.” The finish line makes the pain worth it.
As a teacher, I see this race playing out in real time. Our students are at the starting line of their adult lives, learning to pace themselves in faith. Some take off quickly; others build gradually. Like a coach or fellow runner, I try to encourage them – to remind them that this isn’t a sprint but a lifelong journey. The saints are the ultimate “pace-setters” ahead of us, showing what’s possible when we trust God mile after mile.
This November, I’m giving thanks for the saints who’ve shown us the course, for the privilege of running alongside young people discovering their own stride in faith, and for the reminder that the most important finish line isn’t in Central Park, but in the presence of God. There, the race is over, the crown is given, and the joy is eternal.
On behalf of all my Marianist Brothers,
Bro. Thomas Cleary, SM
