A Message from Mr. Watson, Head of School

January 6, 2022

One of my personal goals for the upcoming semester is to investigate the life and times of that controversial warrior of the Middle Ages—the Crusader. At a time when many institutions are rethinking their association with contested historical figures, the Crusader remains the Academy’s beloved mascot. I suppose this very “edginess” is in part the source of my hope that understanding the life and times of the Crusader will open a window onto crucial elements of the Academy’s unique educational charism.

At the recommendation of a friend, I am wading into Crusades studies guided by Jonathan Riley-Smith’s classic monograph The First Crusade and the Idea of Crusading (1986). As I have scanned the pages of Riley-Smith’s book ahead of a close reading, I can already detect at least one theme. While the early Crusaders faced a volume and variety of trials they scarcely could have imagined before leaving Europe, they were nonetheless buoyed by sincere piety, consistent daring, and a steady stream of unexpected victories.

With the spring semester in all its fierce challenge laying before them, I know that our Crusader scholars will persevere—and triumph—in the same manner.

Let us continue to pray for one another. Our Lady of The Atonement—Pray For Us!