By Cristina Cabrera Jarro -

Photography: CRISTINA CABRERA JARRO | FC

MIAMI | First graders Stephens Daphinis, Rodthalia Joseph, and second grader Michael Fortilus practiced bowing and curtseying. Her Serene Highness Princess Nora of Liechtenstein was coming to visit their school, St. Mary Cathedral in Miami, and they had been selected to present her with gifts.

“I thought it was important. I was shocked,” said Stephens, who was wearing a red button-down shirt on the occasion of St. Valentine’s Day.

He carefully held on to his gifts, a large Hershey’s Kiss chocolate and an Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal prayer card. Rodthalia, in pink, held a pink-rosed bouquet, and Michael, also in red, carried a rosary.

Never having met a “real-life” princess before, their excitement was multiplied in fellow students, and even teachers and faculty who stood in the courtyard of the school waiting.

The Catholic princess is no stranger to South Florida and the Archdiocese of Miami,having previously visited in 2002. At the time, Princess Nora was invited by the James J. Norris Foundation, an international aid organization dedicated to alleviating the plight of migrants, refugees and displaced persons, to visit migrant camps in Homestead. She later met with volunteers at St. Ann Mission who help the immigrant community. She also toured St. Mary Cathedral School and hosted a luncheon to benefit its scholarship fund. She told the Florida Catholic at the time that she left fascinated by the diverse population living across the metropolitan area.

“What’s nice is that this is an obviously different population than is living in Liechtenstein, I can assure you. I personally think it’s great for Liechtenstein, too. How wonderful that she would take the time to come,” said Susan Abell, a volunteer reading tutor for students in kindergarten through fourth grade at St. Mary’s.

Returning to the school after so many years, Princess Nora was greeted by a group of seventh and eighth grade student ambassadors, some who doubled as her “royal escort” to the courtyard where an elegant but simple welcoming ceremony took place.

“It’s marvelous to see you all,” the princess told the audience of kindergarten, first, second, and third graders. “I’m really happy to be here. I think you have a beautiful school. I was at Mass the other day and found the cathedral very beautiful, too. I just hope that you have a marvelous time here, that you learn a lot, but you also have quite some fun.”

When presented with gifts, the Catholic princess took special note of the rosary. “I try to pray it every day. It is very good if you can pray the rosary,” she told the students.

As they walked, St. Mary’s principal, Julie Perdomo, introduced each class and their teachers, as well as cheerleaders, student athletes, and Scouts. One first grader reached out for a high-five, and the princess returned it, resulting in several more hands reaching out for a high-five from the royal, who happily returned each one.

A second grader mustered up the courage to ask the princess where she lived. Currently Madrid, Spain, she answered, but also in Liechtenstein “which is the very small country where I come from. And if you look on a map in Europe, between Switzerland and Austria, you see a tiny thing. That’s Liechtenstein.”

The European principality, about 7.5 miles in length and 62 square miles overall, is known for its castles, alpine landscapes and villages, and a population slightly over 39,000 – quite the opposite of Miami, with its many peoples and cultures.

That, and the fairy tale enchantment associated with royals, compelled the students to ask the princess even more about her life.

One fourth grader asked her how long she had been a princess.

“You become a princess when you are born. It has a few privileges, but it also means that you have to serve, and you have some responsibilities,” she responded.

And a crown?

“I never had one, so forget about that one,” she told the students, who giggled in response.

First graders in Jeffrey Phillipe’s class had the honor and unexpected treat of having Princess Nora read “I Love You Spot” by Eric Hill.  

“Usually, we don’t have a princess in our room,” said Phillipe as he organized students into their plush and comfortable reading area.

After they settled in, the princess read through the illustrated, heart-shaped children’s book recounting Spot the puppy’s surprise for his mom on Valentine’s Day.

“Maybe you can plan a special surprise for your mom, your dad, or someone you really like. And if you don’t have time to make anything just come and say ‘I really like you. I really like you very much.’ Would that be a good idea?” the princess asked.

Phillipe revealed that they were indeed making Valentine’s Day cards.

Before the princess departed, the class chorused a “Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you” to the royal and her guests.

“Happy Valentine’s Day to you, and I love you,” Princess Nora said. “It has been so lovely to be here.”