Live Jesus in Our Hearts Forever: An Invitation to Journey Together
I am excited to announce the school theme for our St. Thomas More Collegiate Faith and Learning community for the next 18 months is Live Jesus in Our Hearts Forever! If you are an alumnus of STMC, this is a prayer that may not be familiar to you. Around 1996, the time that Blessed Edmund Rice was beatified, Edmund Rice schools began deliberately using the prayer “Live Jesus in Our Hearts Forever!” as a way of reminding us of the unique charism of Blessed Edmund Rice. Simple yet profound, this phrase has been the spiritual heartbeat of the Christian Brothers and has united Edmund Rice Christian Brother schools worldwide in faith, community, and mission.
Live
To live is to be fully present, active, and intentional in our faith and mission. Live Jesus in Our Hearts Forever is a phrase to recite and a commitment to awaken to God’s purpose in our lives. It calls us to act gracefully, seek goodness, and serve with love.
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). As a community, we are invited to take this journey of abundant life together. In our studies, service, and friendships, we will strive to reflect this life of faith.
We are invited to bring this to life. Consider each moment as an opportunity to let Jesus shine through your actions. Whether through small acts of kindness, encouraging words, or pursuing excellence, each step brings us closer to living this call.
Jesus
The journey begins and ends with Jesus. His name calls us into a relationship with someone who understands the fullness of the human experience. Jesus is not a distant figure but is alive in our hearts and our community’s work. He shapes our thoughts, inspires our actions, and reminds us of the beauty of faith lived out daily.
We are invited to recognize Jesus in each other—in our teachers, classmates, families, and even in the strangers we encounter. Each act of love and mercy reflects Jesus alive in our hearts.
In Our Hearts
The heart is where our journey begins. It is the seat of love, compassion, and faith, where Jesus dwells within us. To invite Jesus into our hearts is to commit to living with kindness, mercy, and forgiveness.
Blessed Edmund Rice urged his followers to “touch the hearts of others.” As a community, we walk this journey by striving to be Christ-like in our relationships and service to others. We can make our school and the wider community places where Jesus’ love is deeply felt and shared.
How can we do this? By showing care to someone who feels unseen. By offering forgiveness where it’s needed. By treating everyone with the dignity they deserve. Each action, however small, becomes a step on our shared journey of faith.
Forever
This prayer is not just for today or the years we spent at St. Thomas More Collegiate. Forever is a promise—a commitment to live out our faith in every season of our lives.
As we journey together, we recognize that our connection to Jesus transcends time. It stays with us as we leave these halls, shaping how we lead, serve, and love. We carry this commitment forward into our homes, families, workplaces, and the world beyond.
Every time we pray, Live Jesus in Our Hearts Forever, we renew this promise to ourselves and one another. We commit to bringing light to darkness, hope to despair, and love to needy places.
