By CatholicPhilly.com • Posted June 8, 2020

With the academic year coming to a close, Archbishop Nelson Perez released four special video messages to students, graduates, parents, teachers and school administrators.

“I know this has been an extraordinary time for all of you,” said the archbishop in his address to Philadelphia area students, adding that they “had done a great job” in transitioning to online learning as schools buildings throughout the state were shuttered as part of COVID-19 restrictions.

The archbishop extended “a special message of gratitude to teachers and administrators,” whom he noted had “gone far beyond the call of duty” during “an unprecedented time.”

He also applauded area parents and guardians for their ability to “function in a way that many of you never thought you were going to” by “being a co-teacher for your children.”

“My friends who are parents … (have) told me how tough it has been,” said Archbishop Perez. “Thank you for the great example of what it means to love and to care.”

In the fourth video, the archbishop saluted the Class of 2020, commending graduates for their “great accomplishment” amid the profound societal challenges over the past several weeks.

“You’ve embraced this situation that has affected all of us,” he said, highlighting graduates’ “love and passion for growing.”

“May God bless you,” he said.

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View Archbishop Perez’s video messages for the conclusion of the 2019-2020 academic year: