Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 was the guest of honor at the annual MCJROTC Parade and Review on Thursday, April 9, 2015. Photo courtesy of Ms. Jennifer Buuck.

Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 was honored for his nearly two decades of service to Jesuit High School by the MCJROTC at the organization’s annual Parade and Review on Thursday, April 9.

At the ceremony that was attended by his colleagues and witnessed by the entire Jesuit student body, Fr. Fitzgerald was celebrated as the embodiment of Jesuit’s motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.” Through his example of faith, strength, and humility, Fr. Fitzgerald shows Blue Jays the true meaning of being a “Man of Faith” and a “Man for Others.”

View photo gallery of the 2015 Parade and Review.

In a proclamation signed by Jesuit President Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66, and read to the audience gathered by senior Rishab Chimmanamada, Fr. Fitzgerald was lauded for “his teaching prowess, a profound spirituality, and a deep, abiding concern for his students, inspiring them to ever greater academic and spiritual efforts.” The proclamation went on to say, “Highly visible within the school community, [Fitzgerald] serves as a living example of what it means to humbly and joyfully accept the will of God in our lives.”

Fr. Fitzgerald entered the Society of Jesus in 1980 upon his graduation from Loyola University in New Orleans. After completing his religious training and earning three separate masters degrees, he was ordained a priest and returned to Jesuit in 1991. He taught Latin, Greek, English, and theology, served as Co-Director of Campus Ministry, School Chaplain, and Director of Records, and was instrumental in implementing the Kairos retreat program.

In 2003 Fr. Fitzgerald moved to Dallas and taught at the Jesuit College Preparatory School. Four years later he was appointed the Socius (Assistant Provincial) for the New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus.

In 2010 Fitzgerald was selected to become the 15th President of Jesuit High School since 1919, a position he took up at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. During his tenure as President, he spearheaded efforts to renovate the Holy Name of Jesus Chapel and began the process to develop a strategic plan that will guide Jesuit in the years to come. Due to illness, Fr. Fitzgerald stepped down as President after the 2013-2014 school year, returning to teaching and serving as assistant to the President.

After Fr. Fitzgerald was recognized, the MCJROTC Drill Team and the MCJROTC Band gave brief performances for the honoree and his audience. The parade is a time-honored ceremony of the Marine Corps. Present day parades in the Marine Corps and the MCJROTC are based on history and tradition.