In the fall of 2024, the difficult decision was made to close St. John Vianney Catholic School after it suffered extensive damage from the catastrophic hurricanes that affected much of the area. Students were given the option to transfer to the Cathedral School of St. Jude beginning this school year.

In recognition of the resilience, perseverance, and faith of the students and families who lost their beloved school in the storms, a statue of St. John Vianney was added to the grounds, placed next to a statue of the school’s patron, St. Jude.  

At the ceremony where Bishop Gregory Parkes blessed this new statue, he also recognized the community of the Cathedral School of St. Jude for their welcoming embrace of the students from St. John Vianney, as well as the parents who ensured their children could continue to receive a Catholic education.

“I am very, very proud of the St. John Vianney parish and school for your resilience, for your perseverance, and the way that you have worked so very hard and continue to work to move forward in faith,” said Bishop Parkes. “I’m grateful to the community, the school here at St. Jude for your welcome of our students who transferred here, and I’m grateful to the parents who made the decision to continue their child’s Catholic education. You’re giving your children a firm foundation, not only in life, but also in their faith. What a great gift that is.”

Nicole Loseto, principal of the Cathedral School of St. Jude, also reflected on what it has truly meant to welcome the St. John Vianney students, parents, and community.

“They joined our school. They brought with them something extraordinary: their resilience, their deep faith, and a spirit of unity and Catholic education that has transformed our community,” said Loseto in her remarks. 

“This statue stands a symbol of a beautiful and beloved school, a vibrant community, and what remains – the heart, the spirit, and the faith of St. John Vianney carried forward each and every day by its students, and by its teachers and leaders who are a part of our family here at the Cathedral School of Saint Jude.”

During the blessing of the statue, Bishop Parkes called to mind the example of St. John Vianney’s life.

“God our Father, we ask your blessing upon this statue of St. John Vianney. St. John Vianney faced many challenges and difficulties in his ministry, and yet, through Your strength, through Your guidance, he persevered in holiness, in virtue, and in spreading the faith. Bless the statue which we place today. May it be a reminder of the rich legacy and history of St. John Vianney Catholic School. May all who look upon it be blessed through the intercession of St. John Vianney. We ask all of these things through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

All were reminded that St. John Vianney Catholic School is not gone or simply a part of the past.

“To the students and staff of Saint John Vianney, you are not just visitors. You are family,” said Loseto. “Your presence has truly changed us. Today's dedication is more than just a statue. It's a promise that the spirit of St. John Vianney will continue to live on here at the Cathedral School of St. Jude, in the hearts of everyone who passes by and in the faith that we share as one united school community.”

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