The sacrifice of St Maximilian Kolbe
August 6, 2025
A true tale of infertility
August 6, 2025
By Fr Stephan Alexander
General Manager, CCSJ and AMMR
Recently, the story of Giovanni Renwick—a bright, determined, and differently abled teenage student of St Anthony’s College—captured the attention and admiration of many across the country. Despite being born with physical disabilities that affect his legs and waste-removal system, Giovanni’s mind has always soared. His spirit, like his intellect, is unshakeable.
Giovanni has consistently excelled at school. In both Forms One and Two, he ranked first in his class, receiving awards for his outstanding performance in Mathematics, French, Spanish, Integrated Science, Information Technology, and other subjects. He is now preparing to enter Form Four and hopes to pursue studies in the sciences.
However, a major obstacle stands in his way—not a lack of ability, drive, or support, but a staircase. The science labs Giovanni needs are located on the second floor of the school. There is currently no ramp or elevator. Without a means of access, Giovanni’s education and his right to participate fully in school life are at risk.
This is where we, as Church and society, are called to respond—not just with concern, but with compassion and commitment.
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) speaks powerfully about the ‘common good’, which the Church defines as “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfilment more fully and more easily.” The Second Vatican Council reminds us that the common good has a “social and community dimension”—it is not something we passively enjoy, but something we actively build together.
Accessibility is one of those essential “social conditions”. When someone like Giovanni is left out—not because of personal limitation but because the built environment fails to include him—we are all reminded that the work of justice remains unfinished. But that work is not beyond us. In fact, it is precisely moments like these that provide the opportunity to come together for something meaningful and lasting.
The proposed ramp to ensure access to the science labs has already been designed: 130 feet-long and 4 feet wide, at an estimated cost of $250,000—half for materials, half for labour. The coordinating team hopes to reduce labour costs by engaging pro bono contractors. This means the immediate fundraising goal is $125,000 for materials.
Thanks to the generosity of many, a recent Wheel-a-thon raised approximately $9,000, and a Bingo Fundraiser is being scheduled for Saturday, November 23 at St Anthony’s College.
We’re on our way—but not yet there.
This ramp is more than a structure. It is a symbol of inclusion, a sign of what we value as a community, and a tangible expression of our shared commitment to the dignity of every person. When we help Giovanni, we are not simply assisting one student; we are strengthening our social fabric. We are saying to all children, families, and differently abled persons in our midst: “You belong. You matter. And we will make space for you.”
Yes, the State has a primary role to play in ensuring access to education and infrastructure. These are among the essential services that support human rights and the development of all citizens. However, the responsibility for the common good is shared by all: citizens, institutions, faith groups. We are all stewards of justice.
We invite you, then, to be part of this vital mission.
You can help in many ways:
- Make a financial donation
- Donate construction materials
- Connect us with persons in the construction field
- Assist with fundraising or event planning
- Advocate and help spread the word
- Call on the Ministry of Education to action
To get involved please contact St Anthony’s College at 637-6744, Carl Renwick (Giovanni’s dad) at 274-7079 or Fr Dwight Merrick 786-7596.
This is our chance to do something beautiful—not only for Giovanni, but for our country. Let’s not miss it. Let’s build the ramp, and in doing so, build a society where every child has a path to their full potential.
The common good isn’t a distant ideal; it takes root here and now, in our daily choices, our shared compassion, and the structures—both physical and societal—that we commit to building together.
The CCSJ asks for your support.
Please donate: Catholic Commission for Social Justice
Account #: 290 458 025 501
Bank: Republic Bank Ltd.
or you can contact us at:
admin.ccsj@catholictt.org
