On Friday morning, October 3, the students at Our Lady of Grace brought to school all of their non-human friends (live and plush) to receive a blessing from our pastor, Father Raphael. As a parish school managed by the Conventual Franciscans, OLG benefits from the spiritual direction established 500 years ago by the founder of the order, St. Francis of Assisi. The Student Council led the student body in prayer, reminding us all, as Francis did, that creation and all living things within it are gifts from God and deserve our love and respect.
Much good-natured laughing was heard as the barking and mewing, and chirping of our guests was overheard as the students lined up to receive Father's blessing.
Meanwhile, the principal conveyed a message from former Vice Principal, Brother Chris, who is presently traveling to Assisi as the recipient of a gift from all of the OLG families on the occasion of his retirement from teaching due to health concerns. He assured the members of the community that all are in his prayers as he makes this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.
May St. Francis and St. Claire continue to bless our school.