The Academy community gathered in the Brady Center to celebrate the feast day of Blessed Marie Rose Durocher on Wednesday, October 6. This day was especially significant because it fell on Blessed Marie Rose’s two hundredth birthday.
Blessed Marie Rose has a cherished place in the heart of the Academy. As the founder of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, she is the reason for the school’s existence. The entire Holy Names community, school and religious order, united to make this day one to remember.
Sister Ann Regan, SNJM, a theology teacher, discussed the plans that went into this meaningful day. “There was a great deal of preparation by the community. Sister Terry Mullen made a beautiful poster and designed it into bookmarks for the school. The picture on the bookmark visually says what we are about.”
On the the bookmark, in different languages, are words and phrases associated with the charism of the sisters. Sister Regan explained that the words signify that “the two hundred years legacy of faith and education are alive and continue to spread.” Members of the newly formed Blessed Marie Rose Club distributed these bookmarks in homeroom the day prior to the Mass so that every student would have one to remember the day.
During the Mass, the sisters of the Holy Names and the Academy community did justice to the mission of Blessed Marie Rose. To begin the occasion, Sister Regan reminded students about the continuing work of Blessed Marie Rose’s mission. She urged students to pray for students in SNJM schools in Lesotho, who also benefit from the work of the Sisters but who need financial support.
The beautifully carved statue of Blessed Marie Rose, moved from the foyer to the Brady Center for the occasions, reminded all students that this one determined woman had inspired students, teachers and the Sisters over the years to continue her mission.
The homily by Rev. Dennis Donovan, SDB, Director Mary,Help of Christians Center, reiterated the necessity of continuing Blessed Marie Rose’s legacy. Drawing on his own childhood experience in dealing with a bully, Father Donavan gave an example of Blessed Marie Rose’s charity that all students could understand. Instead of being a person who would tease those who were different or vulnerable, Blessed Marie Rose uplifted the downtrodden through her work.
The day also focused on the Sisters, who were honored with flowers pins as well as roses from members of the lower school. At the end of the Mass, the Sisters renewed their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. A lovely reception followed Mass in the foyer for the Sisters and members of the Board.
