Mother McAuley Welcomes Chicago's New Archbishop

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School was pleased to welcome Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago for a home basketball game on Tuesday, January 20.

As part of the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, the Archbishop visited Mother McAuley to watch the Mighty Mac varsity basketball team go head-to-head with the Bandits from fellow all-girls’ high school Resurrection College Prep. The McAuley-Resurrection match was one of four included in the Archbishop’s itinerary over the course of the month.

The Archbishop arrived shortly before 7 p.m. After speaking briefly with reporters, he welcomed the crowd and led them in prayer before the game tip-off. During the first quarter, His Excellency joined the colorfully-clad Mother McAuely students in their cheering section. He then sat with administrators and students from Resurrection during the second quarter. At halftime, students from both schools presented the Archbishop with school spirit wear. McAuley gifted him with a one-of-a-kind sweatshirt with the name “Cupich” and the number one displayed on the back.

“Welcoming Archbishop Cupich to Mother McAuley allowed our women to see that his interests are vast and varied,” said Principal, Eileen Boyce. “He is a leader in our Church, but he also appreciates a competitive athletic match, and here he had the chance to see one between two outstanding all-girls schools.”

The Archbishop departed shortly after halftime, but not before stopping for photos with enthused guests. The Mighty Macs, who continued to gain momentum in the second half, won the game with a final score of 59 – 40, bringing their record to 10 - 11.

“We are very proud of our faculty and staff, our facilities, and of course our students, who got to showcase their skills and ability for the Archbishop this evening,” said Boyce. “What a wonderful way to usher in the New Year.”

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