Across the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools network, Founder’s Week was celebrated with a myriad of activities and events that honored the Xaverian Brothers founder, Theodore James Ryken, culminating with the Feast celebration of the congregation’s patron saint, St. Francis Xavier.
St. John’s Prep celebrated Founder’s Week commemorating the legacy of the Xaverian Brothers and Xaverian education in the U.S. The campus ministry and community formation teams provided the community the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Theodore James Ryken, St. Francis Xavier, and the Xaverian Brothers’ mission to serve as educators in the world.
Founder’s Week activities included a visit from Xaverian Brothers High School, reflection opportunities, an afternoon with the Xaverian Brothers who live on campus, a Founder’s Day Liturgy with Father John Unni, and the Build-A-Bed community service effort for the MA Coalition for the Homeless.
Students and faculty at Our Lady of Good Counsel gathered together to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier Mass followed by an introduction to new XBSS Leaders.
Celebrating Founder’s Day Mass reminded the Saint John’s High School community of the many blessings in which they all belong – rooted deeply in the Xaverian values of simplicity, trust, compassion, humility and zeal.
Xaverian Brothers High School concluded their Founder’s Week celebration with an all-school liturgy. The Mass was presided over by Reverend James D. Erps, who is the pastor of the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola on the Boston College campus, and concelebrated by their own Xaverian alumni, Father Mike Zimmerman ’07, Father Chris Peschel ’06, Father Paul Clifford ’82, and Father Rocco Puopolo ’67. The history of the Xaverian Brothers and Theodore James Ryken was shared, and the community was reminded of their responsibility as part of this legacy. Click here to view more photos.
At Malden Catholic, students wrote appreciation letters to the Xaverian Brothers and faculty/staff, enjoyed Belgium waffles for lunch and had a Mass celebrating the Feast of St. Francis.
The school communities at Lowell Catholic, Mount Saint Joseph High School, Nazareth Regional High School, Xaverian High School, Saint Bernard School, St. Mary’s Ryken, and St. Xavier High School all gathered to celebrate Founder’s Week and St. Francis Xavier. Ryken Award winners were also announced throughout our schools. Stayed tuned for a follow-up article announcing each one.
On Friday, Dec. 2, the Xaverian Brothers hosted an online prayer service for The Feast of St. Francis Xavier over Zoom. Click here to watch.
