The Lacordaire Academy community opened the 2025–2026 school year on Friday, September 5 with a historic celebration, as Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, presided over the first day of school Mass on the Academy’s campus. The gathering, held under a large tent on the school’s lawn, marked Lacordaire’s 105th year of educating students in the Catholic Dominican tradition.

“We’re heading into this school year with strong enrollment,” said Head of School Megan Mananto. “We are grateful to Cardinal Tobin for joining us and for celebrating the joys and lasting benefits of a Dominican education.”

Cardinal Tobin’s visit was a tremendous honor for the Academy. Cardinals are among the highest-ranking leaders of the Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope to serve as his advisors and, collectively, to elect a new Pope in a conclave. Fewer than 20 cardinals currently serve across the entire United States.

Christine James, Chair of Lacordaire’s Board of Trustees, opened the Mass by reflecting on the Academy’s century-long mission.

 

“As an independent Catholic school rooted in Dominican tradition, Lacordaire has, for over a century, nurtured young minds and hearts to become confident and compassionate leaders grounded in truth, justice, and service,” James said. She went on to thank the Caldwell Dominican Sisters, the Academy’s faculty and staff, and Cardinal Tobin for his leadership, noting: “Your pastoral care and advocacy for mercy, inclusion, and dialogue resonate deeply with our own values. We are honored to welcome you to the Lacordaire family today.”

During his homily, Cardinal Tobin engaged closely with students and teachers, walking among them as he spoke.

 

“At the beginning of a new school year, I think Jesus is inviting us to think about what’s new,” he said. “The newness of Jesus is that each day, he gives us what we need. God goes where God wants to go, and that’s into our hearts…so we don’t have to face this year with fear or anxiety.”

 

Megan Mannato concluded the Mass with remarks that celebrated Lacordaire’s history and its vibrant present.

“One hundred and five years ago, Lacordaire welcomed its first two students. Today, we welcome two hundred and seventy students,” Mannato said, to fervent applause from Cardinal Tobin and the audience. “Every day, we all enter these doors with our mission in mind: to empower students to grow into confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition.”

 

As Cardinal Tobin processed out of the sacred space, he shared a moment of connection with the entire student body, offering fist bumps to students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The gesture brought smiles across the Academy and reflected the Cardinal’s approachable, pastoral leadership.

 

The Mass with Cardinal Tobin set an inspiring tone for the new academic year, reinforcing Lacordaire Academy’s enduring commitment to faith, learning, and community, its strength for the future, and its historic place within the Montclair community.