STAMFORD—Isabella Martinez, a junior at Cardinal Kung Academy, has been named recipient of the Cardinal Kung Defender of Faith Award. The award is gifted by Agnes and Joseph Kung, Stamford, to a CKA student exemplifying the life and virtue of Ignatius Cardinal Kung.
Cardinal Kung was a priest and educator for years prior to becoming a bishop of Shanghai. He was named bishop just as Communists were coming to power in the region. The then-bishop was imprisoned for refusing to renounce allegiance to Rome and remained in jail, often solitary confinement, for more than 30 years. He was released from prison and subsequent house arrest for medical reasons and spent his final years in the Bridgeport diocese.
Agnes Kung, niece to the Cardinal and director of the Cardinal Kung Foundation, addressed the CKA student body on March 12, 2021, “Cardinal Kung loved education. He considered education very important, he loved classical education. He was courageous…study hard and…pray to him!”
Bella was chosen from a pool of student applicants who submitted an essay and personal testimony for review by a school committee. Mrs. Logsdail, principal, had words of praise for the junior: “Bella is the perfect choice because she displays a commitment to our church through service to others. She has a virtuous reputation of being honest, trustworthy and hardworking and she is tireless in her organization of corporal works of mercy through the Society of Mother Teresa.” Others echoed this: “Bella is one of the most compassionate and kindest people I know,” said Marya Grimm, her fellow classmate and friend.
Bella’s application essay is below:
Studying the faith has always been a profound way for me and fellow students to grow closer to God. Having Cardinal Kung Academy offer different types of Catholic theology, most importantly, doctrine, Scripture, and moral, enables students to ponder the faith. Every student is challenged to confront their faith and dig deeper into what it truly means to be a young Catholic man or woman.
Because being faithful is a celebrated gift at Cardinal Kung, each student is encouraged to contribute to class discussions that aid in developing understandings of the Church. Teachers, in every class, ask bigger picture questions, such as,“Why are we still learning this today?” and “What effect will this have on my life?” With this approach, students naturally begin asking themselves these questions when doing homework, talking with friends at lunch, and participating in sports, giving their lives a better, more meaningful purpose in the eyes of Jesus.
Without Doctrine, Scripture, and Moral Theology Classes available, I would continue through school, still searching for an identity. But with religion class, I have found my identity strengthened: I am a Catholic daughter of God, who loves me, and I Him. I have found comfort in His teachings, and I have found Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. I am made whole, and I am Christ’s Life within me.
The studies I have received from Cardinal Kung allow me to be firm in what I believe, to never doubt myself simply because of the opinion of others. My Faith is my stronghold, and it will guide me through times of great joy and times of great tribulation. Every subject I study prepares me for my life’s mission to serve Christ by following His steps. Just as Cardinal Kung himself, I wish to fight persecutions that may come my way and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.
Works of charity have played a major role in my life. Helping people, whether in small ways or big ways, always matters and has an impact. Being able to help organize running the Society of Mother Teresa along with my brother with the support of my parents at Cardinal Kung Academy, I have been given the opportunity to bring food, clothes, and other practical supplies to the less fortunate of the Norwalk and Stamford area. Food drives have been held for Room To Grow Preschool in Stamford, helping families provide a delicious meal for Thanksgiving. In January, we, along with other families from Cardinal Kung, prepared over two-hundred sandwiches for the New Covenant Center in Stamford, hopefully bringing smiles to many just wanting a reason to. Over the past couple months, I turned to face the needs within my own family, volunteering to tutor four of my younger siblings during the week after school. My primary objective I made known to my brothers and sisters is that everything done, whether it be a failure or a success, must be offered up to the Lord. Another work we do is hold rosary rallies, defending traditional marriages and the unborn. Oftentimes, my family is the only one standing on the sidewalk, holding up signs and banisters while praying. It can be frightening, but with perseverance and trust, we are made stronger.
Every day, I aim to be countercultural to what the world says is acceptable. I wish to be at least a small beacon of light, fueled with the love Christ has given me to share with others. School allows me to have my beliefs reinforced from what I have learned from home and church, a privilege not warranted to much of the world. Truly, studying the faith provides me with the knowledge to combat opposition, and to help myself and others climb the ladder that leads to our bona fide home: Heaven.
(Cardinal Kung Academy is a diocesan school located in Stamford, Conn., which offers a classical curriculum to grades 7-12. For more information visit: www.cardinalkungacademy.org)
