America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
Ryan Nicholaou has committed the last six years of his life to the Boy Scouts. And for that, the 12-year-old from Our Lady Star of the Sea parish on Staten Island recently received a just reward—the Ad Altare Dei emblem, an honor awarded to Catholic Scouts who have developed a way of Christian life based on the seven sacraments.
Ryan was one of more than 250 Boy and Girl Scouts honored during the annual Emblem Sunday Mass May 4 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Sponsored by the archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, the liturgy celebrated troops from throughout the archdiocese.
Msgr. Anthony Marchitelli, pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption parish, the Bronx, who serves as Scout chaplain, was the principal celebrant and homilist. “Scouting is a beacon and an alternative for our youth in this world,” he said.
Msgr. Marchitelli was a Boy Scout during his days at SS. Peter and Paul parish in the South Bronx. The benefits of Scouting, he said, remain with youths well into adulthood.
Scouts of all ages, past and present, gathered at the cathedral to acknowledge the accomplishments of all.
Accompanying Ryan was his mother, Kristin Nicholaou, grandmother Carol Ordy and his sisters, Erin and Caitlin.
“Since he became a Boy Scout, it’s helped him be more active in Church,” Mrs. Nicholaou said of her son, who also carries the title of first Boy Scout in the Nicholaou family. The Scouts have sparked different interests in her son, she said, and molded him into “a more mature and well-rounded young man. I am very proud of him.”
Ryan said he couldn’t imagine his life without the Scouts. He also described his spiritual growth in achieving the Ad Altare Dei emblem. “It was a good experience for me, learning about God and Catholic life. I love being a Scout. I would recommend scouting to other kids. You learn a lot about life and growing up. My favorite aspect is meeting new friends and earning merit badges.”
Cardinal Dolan, who was on a pastoral visit to Jordan after attending the April 27 canonizations of SS. John XXIII and John Paul II in Rome, left a written message for the Scouts at the Emblem Mass.
“Through your growth in Catholic scouting, may you also grow as citizens and Catholics to inspire future generations,” the cardinal wrote.
Scouting, he said, plays a vital part of ministry to the youth of the archdiocese. The cardinal then thanked the archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, as well as the priests, deacons, religious and faithful for their “vital role” in the Catholic Scouting movement. “Also, I am grateful to all your parents, guardians and Scout leaders for their guidance and influence on your journey of faith through scouting.”
The cardinal concluded by encouraging all scouts to participate at Sunday Mass as well as in the retreats and events planned for the coming year, especially in the various religious programs of scouting. “These are all wonderful opportunities to deepen your faith and scouting experiences,” he said.
Tristan John, 16, a student at Archbishop Stepanic High School in White Plains who belongs to Holy Rosary parish, the Bronx, received the Pope Pius XII emblem. The emblem is based on Church-related ministries and vocation programs and includes a focus on current issues that face the Church and society.
For Tristan, it’s the second religious emblem he has earned during his tenure as a scout. “It’s great to have this award because it took a lot of time and dedication,” he said. Tristan credits his parents, John Jonson and Janet John, for introducing him to scouting which, he said, is life-changing. “I personally love being outdoors camping. I feel more wise and outgoing.”
A number of other awards were conferred at the Emblem Mass. The Marian award, for young women between the ages of 12 and 15, helps them grow closer to God through imitation of the Blessed Mother’s life of prayer and service. The Spirit Alive award, for young Catholic women who are in the senior level of Girl Scouts, assists them in discovering how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives and calls them to greater participation in the Church’s ministry.
Adults who give of their time to mentor youths were honored with the St. George award, named for the patron saint of scouting; the Bronze Pelican award and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton award.
The Pope Paul VI National Unit Recognition award was granted to several Catholic units for providing outstanding religious and educational programs.
The Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Archdiocese of New York was conferred the Quality Diocese Recognition award for the ninth consecutive year.
