Royalmont Academy: Embracing Benedicencia in Our Community

At Royalmont Academy, we are committed to fostering an environment of respect, kindness, and understanding. One of the key principles guiding us in this mission is the concept of Benedicencia, which loosely translates to ‘willing the good’ or ‘always speaking good’. This principle serves as a constant reminder to always be charitable in our speech, avoiding gossip and slander.

The Importance of Benedicencia

It can be all too easy to fall into the trap of gossip, whether it’s about another student that our child isn’t getting along with or a teacher that has frustrated us. Instead of approaching our brother or sister in Christ to resolve our differences, we often turn to gossip. This not only harms relationships but also goes against the teachings of our faith.

Subsidiarity in Catholic Social Teaching

To better understand how we can live out the principle of Benedicencia, it’s helpful to revisit the Catholic social teaching on subsidiarity. Subsidiarity is the idea that matters should be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority. This principle ensures that decisions are made as close as possible to the affected persons, allowing for personal responsibility and direct communication. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church describes subsidiarity as necessary for fostering human dignity and social justice by empowering individuals and smaller communities to take action and responsibility (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 2004, Chapter 4).

For example, if a student has a conflict with a classmate, they should first try to resolve it directly with the other student. If the issue cannot be resolved at that level, then it can be brought to the teacher’s attention, and if necessary, to the school administration. This approach promotes personal responsibility, direct communication, and ultimately, stronger relationships.

Living Out Benedicencia at Royalmont Academy

We encourage all members of our community – students, faculty, and families – to embrace Benedicencia in their daily interactions. This means:

• Always speaking positively about others.
• Avoiding gossip and slander.
• Approaching the person who has offended you directly to resolve conflicts.
• Following the policy written in our handbooks to address issues appropriately.

By practicing Benedicencia, we create a culture of respect and kindness, where everyone feels valued and supported. Let’s challenge ourselves to follow this principle and be role models for our children, demonstrating how to handle conflicts with grace and charity.

Thank you for your continued support in making Royalmont Academy a place where everyone can thrive. Together, we can build a community grounded in love, respect, and understanding.

In Christ,
Royalmont Academy