Fr. Len Plazewski

RT @JesuitTampaFL: The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a Jesuit tradition dating back to the 16th century, celebrated each year at Jesuit school…

@JesuitTampaFL @jesuitschools @jesuitnews @JesuitsGlobal @DioStPete @BishopParkes @jimmypmitchell @archterentius @RobertGibbons9 @DavidPaternostr I thank God for the incredible leadership that Fr. Hermes has shown @JesuitTampaFL since his arrival in 2008. He has not only transformed the campus, but the culture of the school and the hearts of so, so many! He will be greatly missed!

This morning, Jesuit High School president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. made a special announcement to the faculty and staff, and then to the student body at Convocation. A short time ago, Jesuit sent the following email to the greater school community on Father's behalf: Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Jesuit, I am writing to make you aware of important news that I shared with the faculty, staff, and student body this morning. After much prayer and considerable deliberation with the Provincial, I have announced to the Board of Trustees that I will be stepping down as President of Jesuit High School, effective September 1st of this year. I became President of Jesuit High School in May of 2008 and have now served for more than 16 years, the longest tenure of a President in Jesuit’s history. For me, these have been years of tremendous fulfillment and joy. Many cherished memories have been flooding into my mind these past several days. People, events, accomplishments, celebrations, and occasions of gratitude. I am most grateful to God for the opportunity to serve at Jesuit with its strong and widely regarded sense of Catholic mission and identity. It has also been a privilege to work alongside talented colleagues from whom I have learned a great deal. Jesuit has experienced significant growth and enjoyed great success in many areas of school life. That success is the accomplishment of numerous people – on and off campus – working together. Above all, though, it begins with our exceptionally dedicated faculty and staff. In recent years we have met several challenges in dealing with the pandemic and the reopening after the lockdown, and in making the transition to new leadership in the school. In meeting these challenges, and growing through them, Jesuit seems to me to be stronger than ever. The ongoing work of advancing our Strategic Plan, regularly revising and enacting the Campus Master Plan, and seeing the Antinori Center for the Arts to completion in the wake of Covid have been fulfilling but demanding tasks. During the past couple of years, in fact, I have been in conversation with the Provincial about possible new assignments. After significant discussions this summer, we agreed that now was the right time. Stepping down now gives me the opportunity this school year for a much-needed sabbatical to rest and re-charge before my next full-time assignment. During the sabbatical, I will be assisting with our retreat ministry in Saint Louis on a part-time basis. Obviously, the Board of Trustees has begun making plans for the transition to new leadership. As the Board begins the search, and following the school’s established Succession Plan, our Principal, Mike Scicchitano, will serve as Acting President. Mike is extraordinarily capable, knows Jesuit as well as anyone, and will have tremendous support and assistance from many capable administrators and Trustees. The Jesuit fathers and scholastics on campus will continue to play a vital role, supporting Mike in his duties, by their religious presence and sacramental ministry. For myself, I am very grateful to be on campus until the Labor Day weekend in my usual capacity. This will give me the opportunity to assist with the opening of school, be present for the kickoff of our 125th anniversary year, and to ensure a smooth transition. It also allows me to experience one more time the special gatherings, functions, and events that are customary at Jesuit as a new year begins. It is important to me in these coming weeks that we keep the focus where it should be, on the students and the school. While I will not be able to visit personally with everyone, I want to thank all of you now for your support, friendship, and prayers along the way. I assure you of my daily prayers going forward and will remember the school community regularly as I offer Mass. With abundant gratitude for your past and ongoing support of Jesuit, I remain yours in Christ, Rev. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. @JesuitsUCS

I am now on @instagram ... follow me @ fr.lenplazewski there...

My Belgium, France, Germany trip has come to an end…time to pack up and fly home to #Tampa and ⁦@ctktampa⁩

Prayed at the tomb today in Leuven/Louvain of St. Damien De Veuster today (also known as St. Damien of Molokai), a 19th Century Belgian priest who devoted himself to the care of the lepers in Hawaii…what an amazing and inspiring witness!

One last stop before flying home tomorrow- the city of Leuven (Louvain) in Belgium with its famous university..

Charlemagne is called the “Father of Europe” so Happy Fathers Day! Not only was he great, but one of the most significant figures in Western civilization. Just seeing the little things, like this hunting knife, that belonged to him was beyond super cool!

Last stop in Germany, the Imperial City of Aachen which ironically was last stop of Charlemagne (literally Charles the Great) as well as he reigned here and died here and his tomb is here! So cool!

Took a little side trip to the village of Beilstein (which is also on the Moselle). This village is so precious (like out of a story book)…just an example of the many cool things one encounters by traveling! Now onto the next stop…

A reminder. For as beautiful as Cochem is, here is a striking reminder of how dark things became here: the pastor of one of the parishes here was arrested by the Nazi regime during World War II and died in Dachau. Something definitely worth reflecting on.

A lovely day on the Moselle River here in Germany. Just a few more days before I head back home to ⁦@ctktampa⁩

Time for a break from the cities to the town of Cochem (which is on the beautiful & quiet little river, the Moselle). The MoselleValley is famous for its flowery white wines. So beautiful and refreshing here!

Trier is such a cool city…cool historic center, a palace, largest Roman building still standing (Emperor Constantine’s throne room), Roman amphitheater, bridge, baths, & gate…super cool!

Trier’s famous Roman Gate, the Porta Nigra, which was built in 170 AD and the cathedral in the background. Less than 100 years later, Trier received its first bishop (250 AD). Just to give a little perspective the famous Bishop of Milan, St. Ambrose, was born in Trier in 339 AD.

Now in Trier, Germany which was a Roman Imperial city. Two emperors were born here, Constantine Chlorus & Maximiam, though history remembers their famous sons, Maxentius & Constantine the Great who battled for control of the Roman Empire at the Milvian Bridge in 312 A.D.

Last full day in France…did a day trip to the very beautiful city of Nancy which was the captain for the Dukes of Lorraine…such a beautiful city!

It was near Metz during WW2 that my Uncle Ted (my Dad’s brother) was seriously injured from mortar fire. Fortunately he recovered and was blessed with a long life. In fact, Uncle Ted was my confirmation sponsor. We should never forget the sacrifices made by so many for freedom.

The Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains which is believed to be one of oldest churches in France! Originally it was a 4th Century building that was part of the local Roman bath complex which became a church for many centuries until used for various civil needs.

Hello from Metz, France which is where the Carolingian Dynasty originated. Charles Martel (literally the Hammer) defeated the Moors at the Battle of Tours in 732AD. His grandson was Charlemagne! The cathedral here is said to have the world’s largest collection of stained glass!

Visited the Museum of Surrender in Reims (which was serving as the Allied Supreme Command Headquarters) where in May 1945 General Alfred Jodl officially signed the document of surrender ending the War in Europe and the defeat of the Third Reich by the Allies…very, very moving!