Catholic Education: Loyola High School Celebrates Jesuit 400th - Maryvale GALA this evening

LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL, MONTREAL, is my alma mater (1957-61) and I delighted in teaching there (Latin, Greek and religion) from 1967-69. 

Each year the President (currently Father Michael Murray) holds a reception in the late spring to thank benefactors, friends and alumni for their support and to maintain ties. 

This year, the reception was advanced to late January and given a special link to the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Jesuits in Canada, which is being observed at different times across the country between May 22, 2011 and May 12, 2012.

Along with the reception, a Mass was scheduled for the morning with the staff and student body; Father Murray invited me to preside at the concelebrated Eucharist and to preach on the occasion.  It was a wonderful Mass of Thanksgiving and afterwards I was able to meet two of my grand-nephews Sean and Patrick who currently attend the school.

Some photos from the Mass and afterwards:

Clergy and the Maroon & White honour society

Some of the Jesuits and my MC Father Jonathan Blake

Provincial Father James Webb (left) and President Father Michael Murray

Photo credit: Jim Newman (Loyola HS, Montreal)

 

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This evening, our local private Catholic school, Maryvale Academy, will hold its annual dinner and fundraising Gala (silent auction, etc).  I always find this a delightful evening.  Here's the poster prepared for the occasion: