At Our Lady of the Lake Regional Catholic School in Prudenville, Ari Buccilli and his brother Zephyr are living proof that God’s love transforms hearts.
When they first enrolled, neither identified with any faith. Surrounded by prayer and the presence of Christ in the classroom, their hearts began to awaken to something sacred and they embraced Catholicism.
In 2022, both received baptism, first holy Communion and confirmation together—a milestone that marked the beginning of their mission to share faith.
Witnesses of the Word
Ari, a seventh grader, radiates faith beyond his years. As a lector at Mass, Ari proclaims Scripture with reverence. His leadership shines in the classroom, where he answers peers’ questions about the Bible and catechism.
“Modeling the faith and living it out is the easiest way to share my faith,” Ari explains. “If you do it and others see you read the Bible or pray the rosary, they will follow.”
Peers notice Ari’s devotion. Sixth-grader Caleb Bovia shares: “When I see Ari praying in church, it makes me want to pray more. I’m inspired to pray the rosary because I know Ari does that every day.”
His witness extends beyond the classroom walls.
“My mother fell away from her faith a while ago,” Ari reveals. “I kept telling her how going to church is an amazing experience. She came with me one day and it changed her way of living. She returned to the Catholic faith and now she’s a devout Catholic-Christian woman.”
Hearts that Point to Heaven
Zephyr, a fifth grader and altar server who is full of youthful wonder, carries the same light into every day. “I share my faith by using God’s teachings to do what he wants me to do and by setting a good example during Mass,” he says.
Zephyr’s openness to learning and asking questions encourages classmates to grow in their own faith. Fifth grader Colton Johnson reflects: “Knowing how Zephyr was baptized inspired a lot of people to do the same. It makes me want to get baptized in front of a lot of my people so others might do the same.”
Together, Ari and Zephyr remind their school community that faith is alive—nurtured through prayer, service and love. Their journey from unbaptized boys to faith-based young men reveals how God’s grace transforms hearts willing to say yes. Their humility, joy and devotion demonstrate the power of Catholic education in forming disciples who lead others closer to Christ.
