Posted
September 26, 2024
“I didn’t do this for St. Ed’s,” Dick Marcellino clarified. “I did it for St. Joseph.” On the eve of St. Edward High School’s 75th anniversary, Dick Marcellino fought back tears during the dedication of the new St. Joseph Courtyard, a beautiful space that includes the St. Joseph statue–a fixture at St. Edward.
Addressing a crowd of school supporters, the father of three former St. Edward wrestlers recounted the impact that St. Joseph has had on him and his family, attributing all of his good fortune in life to St. Joseph.
Early in his career, while working as an orderly at a hospital, Marcellino wanted nothing more than to go out with a nurse named Audrey. Marcellino had been struggling to find his direction in life, so he decided to enlist the advice of a priest. The priest suggested praying to St. Joseph for good things to happen, and for Marcellino, the prayers were answered. Dick and Audrey got married and raised a family together, and years later, when asked to support the construction of the St. Joseph Courtyard, Marcellino embraced the opportunity to pay homage to St. Joseph.
Left to Right: Angela and John Borowy, Anthony ’96 and Kris Marcellino, Audrey and Dick Marcellino, Nick Marcellino ’05, Michael ’99 and Nicole Marcellino, Alex and Michelle Johnson
St. Joseph is a significant figure at St. Edward High School. Widely known for his devotion to the Holy Family, St. Joseph is also the patron saint of the Brothers of Holy Cross and a symbol of the dedicated brothers who nurtured their students for generations. One Holy Cross brother in particular–St. Andre Bessette, C.S.C.–was especially known for his devotion to St. Joseph. Known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal,” St. Andre prayed to St. Joseph and encouraged others to “go to Joseph” with their needs. Today, thanks to the generosity of Dick and Audrey Marcellino and family, as well as a number of donors who purchased pavers for the project, the St. Edward community can conveniently “go to Joseph” right behind the school building.
At the school’s annual Celebration of Leadership on September 5, St. Edward alumnus Fr. Tim Gareau ’78 blessed the St. Joseph Courtyard and statue. Many years ago, the Class of 1955 donated the statue of St. Joseph in honor of St. Edward’s first principal, Br. John William Donoghue, C.S.C. For decades, the statue stood on the west end of campus outside the Brothers’ House and The Joseph & Helen Lowe Institute for Innovation, where teams would stop and pray. Today, the St. Joseph statue is located between the Jack Kahl Student Life & Leadership Center and Br. James Everett, C.S.C. Stadium, providing increased visibility and accessibility for students, faculty, and staff.
Reflecting on his personal devotion to St. Joseph, Dick Marcellino shared the following prayer with those in attendance:
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so prompt, so strong, before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls—pray for me.
As we take time to reflect in this new location of prayer, may St. Edward, St. Andre, and St. Joseph continue to bless St. Edward High School and its benefactors for many years to come.
The St. Joseph Courtyard is now open to the community. If you personalized a paver, or simply wish to visit and enjoy its peaceful beauty, we welcome you!
The St. Joseph Courtyard was dedicated at the school's annual Celebration of Leadership event.