WOODBURY – Kindergarten through eighth-graders of Holy Angels Catholic School received a visit Nov. 17 by an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, who reminded students that “God is in everything in our lives.”
The Honorable Faustino J. Fernandez-Vina, who was appointed to the state Supreme Court in 2013, shared stories of the role of government; his law career; struggles endured over the years, and the unshakeable Catholic faith he learned from his parents and Catholic schooling in Cuba.
Fleeing communist Cuba when he was a child, Justice Fernandez-Vina and his family left behind a comfortable lifestyle to start anew in the United States. Overcoming difficulties such as little money and not speaking English, he received his law degree from Rutgers School of Law before being appointed a judge on the Superior Court in 2004 by then-Gov. James E. McGreevey.
Today, with no vision in his left eye and some trouble using his hands due to college football injuries, Justice Fernandez-Vina said his Catholic faith “plays a part in my everyday life,” due, in no small way, to his time in Catholic education.
“As Catholic school students, you will learn that God is active and present in the midst of life’s challenges, and you will recognize the footprints of God in your daily experiences,” he said.
Catholic education, he continued, provides opportunities to learn Jesus’ and his Apostles’ teachings. Plus, students are able to “to interact every day with good, God-fearing, God-loving people, and that will teach you a lot.”
The justice said his schooling taught him “one of the most important things in life to be successful – to speak precisely, use the proper words and be understood.”
Before arguing for an important decision, “I ask God for wisdom,” he added.
Following his address, students asked questions on topics such as the justice’s favorite sports teams, background and career in law.
Father E. Joseph Byerley, pastor of Holy Angels Parish, called the justice a shining example of the American dream. Father Byerley grew up with Justice Fernandez-Vina, who attends Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Haddon Heights.
“He loves the Lord,” Father Byerley said, adding that students can learn from the justice’s dedication and discipline to his faith and career.
Holy Angels teachers and students said they were energized by Justice Fernandez-Vina’s visit.
In sharing his work with students, the children learned and understood “what local, state and federal government does and how they can take part in making a difference,” said Stacie Colone, third-grade teacher.
In illustrating God’s ever-presence in his life, students understood “how faith can get you through the most difficult of times,” she added. “The students were moved by his story.”
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