Out of the 575 essays submitted for the Archdiocese of Boston’s Hope in Scripture writing contest, the grand-prize winner – and the joyful, inspiring pilgrim she wrote about – are living their faith right here in Methuen.
St. Monica School eighth-grader Carly Cortes-Dilone’s first-place victory was acknowledged at an Oct. 29 awards event held at the Archdiocese’s Pastoral Center in Braintree, where the winning essay writers and those they wrote about were celebrated.
Middle schoolers were asked to write about “Pilgrims of Hope,” which coincides with the archdiocese’s Jubilee of Education theme.
“A pilgrim of hope has faith, and doesn’t give up, and always trusts God’s promises will come true. These people aren’t lazy and don’t just sit around wishing; they actually go around spreading the word of God with the love and compassion that God gave us to spread the word of the gospel, which is very important in these times,” Carly wrote.
Carly says, to her, Father Marcos Pena “is a true pilgrim.” He serves as pastor of both St. Lucy and St. Monica parishes and, as such, is a familiar face at St. Monica School.
She recalls him telling the student body that when he was a youth in El Salvador, he and his friends would travel their community, singing about God and worshipping Christ.
As an adult, his faith led him to travel – Rome, Spain and the U.S.
“… he traveled a lot knowing that God’s plan and God’s promise would come true,” Carly wrote. “Furthermore, now he was blessed with being a wonderful priest at St. Monica and St. Lucy parish, talking about the word of the Lord like he wished for. … he goes around the school, playing sports with the students, always being nice, positive, and cheering everyone up.”
Carly wrote that Romans 12:12 summarizes the way she sees Father Marcos: “Be Joyful, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
“We are tremendously proud of Carly for her thoughtful reflection and for representing our school with such sincerity and grace. We are also grateful for the hope and guidance that Fr. Marcos continues to share with our community,” the school shared on their Facebook page.
“Carly’s essay beautifully recognized Fr. Marcos as a Pilgrim of Hope within our community, highlighting the many ways his faith, compassion, and leadership inspire others. We are so proud of Carly’s thoughtful writing and the light she shines as a student of St. Monica School.
Carly is the daughter of Laura Dilone and Carlos Cortes. She attended the awards program with family as well as Father Marcos, Principal Donna Henderson and religion teacher Karl Jackson.
As grand-prize winner, Carly received a Bible, a rosary blessed by Archbishop Richard G. Henning and a Visa gift card.
