I’m golden when kept,
But when I’m broken, 
I’m never heard.
What am I?
Silence.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines silence as the complete absence of noise, while decorum as behavior that is socially correct, calm, and polite. In JMC, silence and decorum go hand in hand because as members of the school community, we are often called to listen attentively to staff, prefects, and our fellow students. The best way for us to be attentive is often by maintaining silence and decorum, as both are signs of respect for the speaker or the elder standing before us.
Silence and decorum have more personal benefits than you may think. One of the importance of silence is beautifully summarized in a quote by Ali Ibn Talib which says, “silence is the garden of thought”. In other words, Ali Talib explains that silence gives room for introspection, which fosters personal development through self-understanding and reflection. Like flowers blooming in a well-kept garden, silence helps inner awareness. Thus, ideas and thoughts blossom when there is silence.
Regarding decorum, Mason Cooney’s quote: “observe decorum and it will open a path to morality” reminds us that observing social etiquette and being mindful of proper conduct in public spaces encourages us to do the right thing always. Another reason why silence and decorum are so coveted is the fact that they facilitate better listening. Individuals who value silence and decorum are often the best listeners, as they listen to understand, rather than thinking of how or what to respond. Furthermore, understanding the importance of silence and decorum can be especially helpful during disagreements. They help us to pause and think before making statements we might later regret.
Finally, the best gift silence and decorum have to offer us is the golden opportunity to hear God’s voice. Psalm 46:10 reads: “Be still and know that I am God”. It is in moments of silence and calm that our hearts are more open to hearing the voice of the Lord. When we are quiet, we are more attuned to even non-verbal responses God may give to our prayers and questions. In Ignatian Spirituality, discernment of spirits is important in distinguishing the voice of the Lord from that of the Evil One. Silence is the platform where discernment thrives. A loudmouth and scattered personality cannot adequately discern good from bad. It is in silence and decorum that we are able to cultivate the great virtue of discernment, and thus become discerning minds.
Here in JMC, we clearly have a huge problem maintaining silence and decorum. At almost every activity, prefects and staff members are always telling us “be quiet’, “stop talking”. There clearly needs to be an understanding of silence and decorum in our school. We talk in places where we should be silent, such as the chapel. Our silence and proper conduct not only help us focus during liturgical activities, such as the Holy Mass and Reconciliation service, but also afford others the opportunity to pay attention and to pray. That is why it is especially important to maintain the sanctity of the chapel by remaining silent and conducting ourselves in a manner always fit for worship.
God speaks to us in silent moments. Just as he spoke to the prophet Elijah in the first chapter of the Book of Kings. As Elijah climbed the mountain, the Lord was not present neither in the strong wind Elijah felt, in an earthquake that occurred, nor in the fire he saw. Rather, the Lord was present in a still, small voice. One that Elijah probably would not have heard, had there been noise around him or had he been talking too much on the mountain.
As you go about your week, I charge you to maintain silence and decorum when and where necessary. Stay mindful of the fact that you’re not only contributing towards the development of a conducive school environment but also contributing to your personal growth and development as well. Be silent and see what God can do in your life. Be calm today, and see how your intelligence, understanding and memory will improve in your studies. Remember that “Silence is the language of God; it is also the language of the heart.”
Thank you.
Kayla OZOH
Class of 2025
Delivered during School Assembly on Monday 16 September 2024