Editor’s note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders of all ages who are making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at cbenanti@siadvance.com.
St. Peter’s Square — in the forefront of St. Peter’s Basilicia in Vatican City — are from the left, Sister Christa Gesztesi, Notre Dame Academy High School theology teacher and newly appointed campus minister, Sister Christa Gesztesi, and Notre Dame 11th grade students, Mary Kate Guiliano and Olivia Testa. (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dame Academy)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — From the heart of St. Peter’s Square — in the forefront of St. Peter’s Basilicia in Vatican City — to the charming narrow, winding streets of Trastevere, two students from Notre Dame Academy experienced a journey that transcended beyond textbooks and classroom walls.
Representing the Notre Dame Academy community were 11th grade students, Mary Kate Guiliano and Olivia Testa, who were accompanied by newly appointed Campus Minister Sister Christa Gesztesi who traveled to Rome for a powerful week-long encounter of faith, fellowship, and global citizenship.
From left to right, 11th Grade Notre Dame Academy student Mary Kate Guiliano, Notre Dame Academy High School Theology Teacher and newly appointed Campus Minister, Sister Christa Gesztesi, and Notre Dame Academy 11th grade student Olivia Testa. (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dame Academy)Staten Island Advance
However, the highlight of their pilgrimage was the unforgettable experience they were afforded when they were granted a General Audience with Pope Leo XIV, who was elected the first American Pope only a few weeks prior to their visit, explains Erin Durkin, marketing and communications associate at Notre Dame Academy.
There they were joined by a sea of faithful individuals from around the world, praying in unison and carrying the spirit of Notre Dame Academy and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, foundress of the Congregation of Notre Dame.
From the left, Olivia Testa, Mary Kate Guiliano and Sister Christa. (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dame Academy)Staten Island Advance
They also visited Santa Maria Maggiore, paying homage at the tomb of Pope Francis — a moment they said blended history, legacy, and a call to live with purpose.
At Santa Maria Maggiore, where they paid homage to the tomb of Pope Francis. (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dame Academy)Staten Island Advance
The group was also able to step into Synod Hall, the historic space where Cardinals convened prior to electing the pope, and where Mary Kate, Olivia, and Sister Christa engaged in reflection on the meaning of vocation and the importance of using one’s gifts in service to the world with fellow members of Scholas Occurrentes, added Durkin.
Mary Kate Guiliano, third from right, and Olivia Testa, second from right, and other students smile for the camera in front of the Colosseum in Rome. (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dame Academy)Staten Island Advance
FYI: Scholas Occurrentes is a global initiative founded by Pope Francis in 2013 as a way to bring together young people from all backgrounds, cultures, and faiths.
Its mission is to inspire and empower youth to become active, compassionate citizens who live out their values through service, community engagement, and a deep sense of purpose rooted in faith and human connection.
From the left, Sister Christa Gesztesi, Olivia Testa and Mary Kate Guiliano. (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dame Academy)Staten Island Advance
Notre Dame Academy is thrilled to be able to partner with Scholas Occurrentes and the Archdiocese of New York to fund the rare and incredible opportunity for students and Sister Christa, Durkin continued.
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dame Academy)Staten Island Advance
Upon her return to the United States, Sister Christa met virtually with representatives from other Staten Island schools to discuss the mission of Scholas and explore how the transformative program can be adapted and implemented within their own school communities.
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dane Academy)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Mary Kate Guiliano and Olivia Testa. (Courtesy/Sister Christa/Notre Dame Academy)Staten Island Advance
And at this writing she’s connecting with other Staten Island schools to implement the Scholas Program into their own school communities, inasmuch as Notre Dame Academy is currently the only school on Staten Island to represent that program.
CELEBRATIONS – JUNE 29 TO JULY 5
JUNE 29
Sunday is birthday time for Peter Marini, Terri Golden, Rhonda Tasca and son Nicholas, Amanda Tempone, Corinne Lippert, who turns 22, Tina Speziale, Debbie Surret, Alex Moses, Ronnie Birmingham and Cheryl Eisler Gaugh.
JUNE 30
The happiest of birthdays on Monday to Tom Checchi, Dennis DiCicco, Lisa Rosenfeld, Lauran Messina, Kirsten Swenson and Pat McGrath.
Happy wedding anniversary Monday to Flo and Mike Azzara, Evelyn and Phil Toro and Jaime and John Cucuzza.
JULY 1
Happy birthday Tuesday to Doreen Minogue, Taylor B. Haas who turns sweet 28, Shannon McGinley, Frank DeMeo Jr., John Errichiello, Meghan Eileen Byrnes, Nicholas Peragine, Gerri Barajos and Jason Bock.
JULY 2
Happy birthday Wednesday to Katie LaBetti, Denise Sparnroft, Phyllis Cregg, Christopher Nielsen, Annmarie Marronaro and Alberto Cervantes.
Happy wedding anniversary Wednesday to Gail and Artie Fernandez.
JULY 3
Birthday greetings Thursday to Gregory Creamer, Devon Colbeck, Taylor O’Halloran who turns 29, John Yoffredo, Steven Huberto Mitchell, Joyce Pelle, Joann Newell and twins, Gregory and Melissa DeBiase.
JULY 4
Happy July 4 birthday Friday to Dennis Dale, Nancy Tierney, Keith Stapleton, Ellen McGinley, Mike Haliskoe, Sarah Mazzeo, Juliet Agnes Schroder, Ellen McGinley Pascucci, Matthew Giordano, Thomas Gelormino and twins Danielle and Lauren Salvadeo.
Happy wedding anniversary Friday to Merylee and Dr. Stevan Peters.
JULY 5
Birthday best on Saturday to Dr. Michael Reilly, Joanne Corradi, Theresa Ann Pratti, Beverly J. Davis. Minire Zuberi, Michele DeBiase and Anthony Romano.
Happy birthday Saturday to Michael Cassidy of West Brighton who turns 40, and is the dad of three as he continues to follow his passion for running daily and competing.