Noonan Elementary Academy teacher visits Pope, shares faith with her students

Victoria Magas, a teacher at Noonan Elementary Academy in Mokena, visited Pope Francis in Philadelphia last month while he was on tour in America. Magas, who has worked at the independent Catholic school in Mokena for 6 years, teaches religion to 6th-8th graders and literature to 8th graders at Noonan. “It is not often that you find the Holy Father in American, especially within driving distance. I felt every Christian should make their best effort to meet with him and hear the message he has for us,” Magas shared when asked about her personal desire to see Pope Francis while stateside. “I went on the pilgrimage expecting to endure some suffering, and I know I never suffer well so that is something I’m always looking to grow in appreciation for. There were difficult moments along the way: the long drive, plenty of walking and public transit, long days (a 20 hour day in the city feels rough) and even staying with a complete stranger. At the same time, it was exciting to know that you are doing this along with so many others. Everywhere we went we saw Catholics wearing their Pope Francis t-shirts; there were religious people EVERYWHERE! Seminarians laughing and having fun; sisters singing up and down the streets. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Magas had the opportunity to share her visit with the students at Noonan in a very tangible way. Mr. Dunn, the principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, sent Magas with religious medals for the entire school, which totaled six pounds, to have blessed. “I carried them to Mass with great joy and prayed for our community throughout the Mass.” “Mrs. Magas is an example of the Catholic faith in action,” said Dunn. “It’s one thing to talk about your faith, it’s another thing to live and walk in it. To be able to meet the Vicar of Christ, how could you not if the opportunity was presented? I am proud that we could have someone from our school community take this pilgrimage and not only grow from it personally, but bring back something that was blessed by our Holy Father for better protection for our entire school as well.” Magas has shared photos and videos of the Pope Francis up close. “It’s amazing to see him in person though. It doesn’t feel real. He looks at everyone as if he is looking at you directly as if he knew you and loved you. It’s incredibly emotional. My students could sense that in my stories. I’ve always loved my Catholic faith, but it was at Noonan that I was able to share it completely with others. I make it clear to the students that I am always searching to know, love, and serve God better. We are all on the same journey here so we have to help each other out. There is no secret in getting to Heaven because Jesus made it clear: keep the commandments and the greatest is love of God and love of neighbor. We support each other here. Reminding others to go to Mass, spend time with the Blessed Sacrament, frequent confession, forgive, teach, love. These are the keys we hope our children will remember.” The medals that Magas had blessed were distributed to Noonan Elementary Academy students and staff earlier this month.