The French have a wonderful language. Not only does it sound good, but it is also economical. That is, one can say something in two French words that may take ten words to say in English. One of those two-word phrases is “noblesse oblige.” Noblesse oblige literally means “the nobles are obliged.” In other words, nobility is a responsibility, not an entitlement. A noble person is one who provides a good example of behavior to others. All people are expected to act with decency. But a noble is obliged to go beyond the minimum. Specifically, to protect and respect the weaker members of society, especially the poor.

Ordinarily, one is born a noble. For example, Prince William is a prince because his father is the son of the Queen of England. In the Middle Ages, it was possible for a commoner to become part of the nobility by being made a knight.

Knighthood began as a military rank and later as a code of conduct. The virtues of courage, honor, and service were expected of knights. They were obliged to practice these virtues.

Historically, knighthood was restricted to men, but the code of conduct required men to respect all women. Today, women who are made knights are called ladies. And they are equally expected to behave in the same high standard.

Noble men and women are obliged to defend their faith, to love their country, to respect all persons to never lie or break their word, to be generous to the needy and to always and everywhere be against injustice.

Because the United States is a Republic and not a monarchy, the Constitution expressly forbids the government to grant titles of nobility. We hold the ideal that “all (people) are created equal.” Nonetheless, we do have a form of nobility whereby we place one group above another based on money, power, or fame. We forbid titles of nobility, but often treat certain people as better than others.

Some of the highest paid people in the world are top entertainers or gifted sports figures. As George Orwell wrote in his book, “Animal Farm,” “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

The connection with a hi9gh standard of conduct, especially with its religious connection is why members of Bishop Kelly are called “knights.”

As such, we are obliged to care not only for one another, but also for those outside our school. We strive not for our personal honor, but to honor good in others.

Those of you who are athletes have a responsibility to be examples of the highest code of conduct.

I know that as members of a team, it is important to bond together, to be a band of brothers, a band of sisters. But what I would really like to see is that you reach out to those who are not part of your team. Athletes in particular are often treated with unrealistic extremes: either they are idolized as living gods among us, or are feared by those who have other gifts.

I have great respect for athletes because I know how hard you have to train and you are gifted with qualities that help you achieve success on the playing field. We expect athletes to improve their skills. But we do not expect that these gifts are entitlements. They are responsibilities.

There are other students who respect and admire you. But they may also feel somewhat inferior because they are not as athletic. It would be nice to see a football player (American football or international “futbol”) take an extra bit of time to reach out to all members of the school. Maybe to sit with them at lunch or say a kind word in the hall. After all, we are knights.

If you are real knights, you are obliged to treat everyone with respect.

Noblesse oblige.

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