“Golden Rule moments at Brophy College Preparatory” in AZCentral

Golden Rule moments at Brophy College Preparatory

Albert Celoza, Ph.D.

Special to The Republic

The students at the distinguished Brophy College Preparatory assemble each day. They experience Golden Rule Moments as they follow the ‘examen’ from Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. For a few minutes, they ponder the question: how is God at work in your life today? Where do you see God, the people, places and events that you encounter? How have you responded to God’s presence? Did you accept God or turn away? Reflect on how you will respond more fully to God. Will you be loving? Brophy students are imbued with this Ignatian practice throughout their studies at Brophy. They are sometimes fondly called, ‘men for others’.

Even though a Catholic and Jesuit institution of learning, Brophy has in its student population non-Catholics. Students are required to take religion classes and, about once a month, attend mass or a prayer service. An atheist student said he sees this as more academic than religious, as Brophy is noted for its high academic standards. ‘Religious practice’ has been acceptable if not comfortable with students. It is notable that the leader of the group of students leading the assembly is Shaan Chokshi. Shaan, a Brophy junior, has been involved in the leadership group since he was a sophomore. (In addition to their role in assembly, the groups plan school events, fine arts activities and extravaganzas)

Particularly notable is that Shaan’s family comes from the practice of Hindu rituals and traditions. For Shaan, prayer at Brophy transcends particular religious practice: God is beyond religion.

Embedded in students’ activities are lessons about social justice and leadership. During the summer, Shaan and other Brophy students were in an immersion program about the realities of the life of farm workers, life in poverty, community organizing, and advocacy for affordable housing. The students also studied issues related to homelessness, reaching out to various stakeholders that could contribute to addressing this issue. These activities had quite an impression on Shaan’s future aspirations. He wants to either be a doctor or a lawyer and that his studies would strengthen his capabilities to alleviate social problems in the future.

Schools are key social institutions in shaping the character of people for the future. The Golden Rule Moments at the Brophy assembly ‘pondering’ are brief and noteworthy moments. They imbue the young and help them imagine their future. Kudos to Shaan Chokshi and Brophy student leaders.

Albert Celoza, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Movement

Brophy student Shaan Chokshi in September, 2024. Provided by Albert Celoza, Ph.D.