“I’m excited to see a beautiful new school be created on that site. I’m thinking about all the opportunity that this school will provide young people who live in our city, to grow in every way – spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially,” the archbishop said.

“The teachings of Jesus set your foundation,” Father Watters said. “As you especially championed African-Americans in this city, (the Gospel) resonated in your heart. … You modeled respect for all people, and dignity for those on the margins.”

I grew to know him as a friend, a fervent advocate for the poor, and as a quintessential leader and civil rights icon who fought for justice and equality for all, especially those he served.

In prioritizing young lives at risk, we summon all within our communities to nurture and care for those who will determine our future, inasmuch as we make possible their own.

“She is sort of the mother of literacy in this area. The mother of education,” Moore said of Mother Lange.