Audentes Fortuna Iuvat

Welcome to a new school year! As I look out at all of you today, I see a room filled with potential, with dreams yet to be realized and paths yet to be taken. You’re standing at the threshold of something extraordinary. The theme for this year—"audentes fortuna iuvat” or “fortune favors the bold"—is a call to action, a reminder that greatness doesn't come to those who wait but to those who dare.

This phrase is an ancient Latin proverb that has inspired many throughout the centuries. It is taken from Virgil, the Roman poet whose epic poem, “The Aeneid,” written in the year 29 BC, tells the story of Aeneas, the legendary Trojan founder of the Roman people. In a final battle against Turnus, his enemy, Turnus is severely outnumbered. As he leaves to battle, Turnus is warned by his mother to not fight Aeneas. It is then, knowing the odds are against him, that he utters the line that has made its way throughout history.

It is important to point out that when Virgil refers to “fortune,” he is actually referring to the Roman goddess Fortuna and the “good luck” she brings those who seek her intercession. So how does this ancient proverb apply to us? How can we understand it today?

Take the word “fortune.” If you were to ask most people what fortune means to them, I am sure they would be quick to place a monetary value to the word. Fortune, they would say, is what affluent men like Jeff Bezos or Warren Buffet have. Just recently, it was reported Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa signed a contract extension worth 212 million dollars. That, most people would say, is a fortune. Others might understand “fortune” as being a great prize that brings with it great honor putting the winner in the spotlight. Surely, if we were to apply Virgil’s phrase to any of the athletes of this year’s summer Olympics, fortune would be the gold medal with the best athletes standing at the top of the winner’s podium as thousands of people cheer them on, their country’s flag waving in the background as the national anthem is played over the loudspeaker.

But those fortunes are fleeting. Those fortunes disappear after a period of time. The money runs out, gold medals tarnish, cheers die down, and flags are lowered. No, for the disciple of Christ his great fortune lies in that which is eternal, that which does not tarnish. St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians writes, “Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one” (vs.24-25).

Christians have to be visionaries. We cannot not allow our sights to be set simply on the here and now. We have been created for much bigger, more important things. Our fortune is much more valuable, it is immortal. Our fortune is love and justice and righteousness. Our fortune is the gospel of Jesus Christ and everything it teaches us. Our fortune is the willingness to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others, to feed the hungry and clothe the naked and visit the sick. Our fortune is not Virgil’s archaic, false goddesses. Our fortune is the Virgin Mary’s Son, Jesus Christ.

Then what does it mean as a Christian to be bold? It’s easy to think of boldness as something grand or flashy, but true boldness is often quieter, more personal. It’s the courage to speak up when others are silent. It’s the strength to stand alone for what is right, even when it is difficult. It’s the determination to pursue your dreams, even when the road is long and uncertain.

I want to make you aware of something that oftentimes goes unnoticed, that oftentimes we take for granted. Right now, in South Florida, there are literally tens of thousands of young men who have the potential to be a Belen Jesuit student. But there is only a small fraction of them here on campus. Why you? Why not them? If there is so much intellectual, social, financial, and even spiritual potential just outside these doors, why is it you are here and not them?

To be a Wolverine is a calling, it is a vocation. It is God, and not simply your parents, who has brought you to this place, to sit in that seat, and to listen to these words. It is God who, in His infinite wisdom and providential plan, has called you to this place. There is purpose, there is reason, your goal is to slowly, over time, discover it and understand how being a student at Belen Jesuit is part of something much greater, much bolder than getting into college or winning a state championship. Don’t limit yourself, don’t simply scratch the surface of your potential, but scrape and dig deep into a clearer awareness of the divine plan God has for you. Belen has not existed for 170 years for the formation of men to become doctors, lawyers, politicians, or entrepreneurs… that is so shortsighted. Belen has always existed for one thing alone, the formation of men to become saints.

As students in a Catholic-Jesuit school, you are called to a higher purpose, a boldness that is rooted in our Catholic faith. This isn’t just about achieving success in the eyes of the world, but about living in a way that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. It’s about having the courage to forgive when you’ve been wronged, to reach out to someone who feels alone, to strive for excellence, not just for your own sake, but for the good of others.

In the Gospel, we see so many examples of boldness rewarded. Think of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water, or the woman who reached out to touch the cloak of Jesus, believing she would be cured, or even the Roman centurion who interceded for his dying servant, and his servant was healed. Their actions were bold because they trusted in something greater, more powerful than themselves. They took risks, they stepped out in faith, and they were rewarded.

This year, I challenge each of you to take that same step of faith. Be bold in your studies, not just aiming for good grades, but striving to truly understand, to ask the right questions, to grow in wisdom. Be bold in your relationships, building friendships that are rooted in respect, kindness, and love. Be bold in your faith, living it out not just on Sundays but in every aspect of your life.

Remember, boldness is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. You might face challenges, setbacks, or moments of doubt. But know this: every time you choose to act with courage and faith, you grow stronger. And in that strength, you will find success, not just in the classroom, but in life.

As you go through this year, let "Fortune favors the bold" be more than just words or a catchy phrase. Let it be a guiding principle that leads you to take chances, to stand firm in your convictions, and to trust in God’s plan for your life. Be bold, and watch as the doors of opportunity open before you.

May God bless each of you as you embark on this new academic year. Remember, you have the power to shape your future. Fortune truly does favor the bold—now go out and be bold in all that you do.

Our Lady of Belen… pray for us.