"HAVE FAITH IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS," a symposium presented on March 30 at Saint Joseph's University.

The women in these photos are remarkable leaders of Catholic schools in Philadelphia. Their schools provide an alternative for families of limited means who live in troubled neighborhoods. Their schools are among the many in Philadelphia and surrounding communities meriting the commitment of all of us. The women took part in a panel highlighting the efforts of the Gesu Institute calling us all to sustain, support and strengthen our struggling schools.

Welcoming the presenters to Saint Joseph's University were Timothy Lannon, SJ, President, shown here with Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.

Cardinal Rigali and John DiIulio (pictured above with Sister Contance Touey, IHM of Saint Francis de Sales School) of the Fox Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania discussed the work of such Catholic schools. Rigali noted that among the young the love for the poor is one of the most appealing aspects of the Catholic Church. He quoted Paul's Letter to the Galatians where Paul reports his instructions from the Council of Jerusalem: "Be mindful of the poor." (Gal 2:10).