By Joe Pisani

Photos by Amy Mortensen 

BRIDGEPORT — Bishop Frank J. Caggiano told the graduating class of Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory School to “never be afraid to live a life of true holiness so you can go into the world as instruments of healing and reconciliation and true peace.”

Check out the photos from the Mass!

His comments came at the end of the Baccalaureate Mass he celebrated at St. Augustine Cathedral on June 3, the day before the 91 seniors graduated.

The bishop said that among the many things they acquired in their four years, such as knowledge, talents, and opinions, was an understanding of the need for holiness.

“I want you to know that all of us are very proud of every single one of you,” he said, “and not just because of what you have done, but because of the young men and women you have become in these four years.”

Bishop Caggiano also expressed his gratitude to the administration and faculty of Kolbe Cathedral “and everyone who has made this school so remarkable because they do what they do — and they care about you and love you.”

Following the Mass, the Kolbe Cathedral community expressed its “heartfelt gratitude [to the bishop] for your continued support, guidance, and commitment to our mission.” In his honor, they planted two dogwood trees on the campus, symbolizing rebirth and renewal, strength and durability.

“This is one of the most beautiful gifts I have ever received,” the bishop said.

“Bishop, your leadership was important as we transitioned into the revitalization of our campus and helped us create vibrant communities and spaces to foster community spirit,” a student said.

In October 2024, Bishop Caggiano launched an initiative made possible by Gerstner Philanthropies to make Kolbe Cathedral “a beacon of hope for students, families and their community,” starting with the creation of the Louis V. Gerstner III Center for Students and Families, which is home to programs for students and their families, including a student success center, fitness rooms, the Marian Work Study Program and the St. Joseph Parenting Center.

Bishop Caggiano concluded his comments by telling the students, faculty, and parents in the packed cathedral that he had new plans to announce when they return.

“When we come back, I will have some exciting news to share with you that will be made possible by one person, who will help Kolbe take the next big step forward in its bright, growing, and vital future,” he said.

In celebrating the Baccalaureate Mass, Bishop Caggiano was joined by Father David Roman, Deacon Joe Klimaszewsk, and Father Hryhoriy Lozinskyy, Kolbe spiritual director, who delivered the homily.

Father Lozinskyy talked about the relationship between St. Paul, the teacher, and St. Timothy, his student. He said that once Paul was imprisoned, Timothy had to move into the world on his own and stay strong through the grace of God, just as students go forward in life. Timothy succeeded and eventually became the first bishop of Ephesus.

He urged the students to live a holy life and remember that sanctity should be their primary goal and not worldly success. Father Lozinskyy also told them to cultivate the special gifts that God has given them and, like Paul, focus on the spirit of power, love, and self-control.

“Be strong in the grace of God,” he said, “And remember that strength comes from God.”

The Mass was followed by an awards ceremony. The following students were honored:

Upon completion of four years of high school, the highest-ranking student in academic studies was Valedictorian of the Class of 2026, Ashley Dutan.

The second-highest ranking student in academics was Salutatorian Daniel Rodriguez.

National Honor Society inductees were: Mishi Abeha, Aaliyah Martinez, Aniyah Banks, Ariana Pando, Brandon Collazo, Jazlene Rosario, Marie Dorelien, Jazliana Sanchez, Ashley Dutan, Jonathan Small, Maria Theresa Garcia, Diana Sorto-Guzman, Nixie Garcia, and Kiara Tellez.

Oscar Romero Chapter of the Spanish Honor Society inductees were Jeronimo Berrio Gomez, Tristan Rodriguez Vargas, Ashley Dutan, Diana Sorto Guzman, Kinsley Fanacio, Kiara Tellez, Nixie Garcia, Cindy Tochimani, Jordy Martinez, Andix Torrealba, Ariana Pando.

Seal of Biliteracy from the State of Connecticut: Akeelah Cristy Esther Joachim, Marie Dorelien, Ashley Dutan, Kinsley Fanacio, Allisson Galicia-Pelaez, Nixie Garcia, Ariana Pando, Tristian Rodriguez Vargas, Diana Sorto-Guzman, Kiara Tellez, and Cindy Tochimani.

A medal is awarded to each student who has maintained the highest academic position in

individual subject areas during their high school years:

            For Excellence in English: Ashley Dutan

            For Excellence in Health and Physical Education: Cinsere Brooks

            For Excellence in Mathematics: Brandon Collazo

            For Excellence in Music: Mishi Abeha

            For Excellence in Religion: Aaliyah Martinez

            For Excellence in Science: Daniel Rodriguez

            For Excellence in Social Science: Diana Sorto-Guzman

            For Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math: Jonathan Small

            For Excellence in World Language: Kiara Tellez

            The following seniors earned a place in the Top 10 of their graduating class: Ashley Dutan, Jonathan Small, Daniel Rodriguez, Diana Sorto Guzman, Brandon Collazo, Akeelah Christy Esther Joachim, Marie Dorelien, Kiarha Laine, Kiara Tellez, and Landon Vera

The Mary Silliman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution awarded a Bronze American History Medal and certificate to the senior who excelled in the field of United States History. This award went to Diana Sorto Guzman.

The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference recognized a student for exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity: Jonathan Small.

Earlier this year, the Southwest Conference awarded two students from Kolbe Cathedral High School for their leadership in athletics: Aaliyah Martinez and Brian Torres Castro.

The Leah Rondon Memorial Award was awarded to a graduating female student/athlete who excelled both as a student and athlete, demonstrating leadership and dedication in both areas. The Leah Rondon Memorial Award went to Nixie Garcia.

The following students were recognized by the coaches in the Southwest Conference:

            Girls Basketball: Shyloh Black

            Boys Basketball: Jayden Desir

            Baseball: Benjamin Marshall

            Boys Volleyball: Armando Munguia

            All State for Boys Basketball: Jayden Desir

South West Conference All Patriot Division recognition for boys volleyball went to Tristan Rodriguez Vargas.