Pope Leo XIV is a Pope of the Americas a citizen of both the United States and Peru whose life was shaped by different cultures. In his first words as pope, he spoke of building “bridges with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people, always at peace.” Share a personal story of how you, or someone close to you, was changed by an encounter that bridged cultures and revealed God’s love.
ENTRY
Entries should be 500 to 750 words. Essays should include your name and division typed on each page.
Note: Spelling and grammar count.
Students may
- submit essays online OR mail essays. Mailed essays should be typed and stapled, each attached to an ENTRY COVER SHEET
- Essays will not be accepted without an entry form.
ELIGIBILITY
Students in grades 6 to 8 (Division I) and grades 9 to 12 (Division II) who are currently enrolled in a Catholic school, religious education program, or youth ministry program are eligible.
DEADLINE
Entries must be submitted online or postmarked by the due date. First-place essays will appear in the Summer 2026 Maryknoll Magazine. All winning entries will be published online at MaryknollSociety.org/Winners by May 1, 2026.
View Scholarship
Scholarship Value: $1,000
Awards Available: 6
Award Deadline: Register to View