On Thursday, August 15th, our Brother Martin community celebrated the first school-wide liturgy of the 2019-2020 school year in the newly air-conditioned Conlin Gym. Students, faculty, and staff gathered together to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with our celebrant and school chaplain, Father Paul Hart '70. This solemn feast day commemorates the end of Mary’s earthly life and assumption into Heaven.

"At the center of our sacred space, we honor Mary, our Blessed Mother, with crimson and gold rose petals. As disciples, we are called each day to model her Sacred Heart by the perfect love she had for her son. Her Assumption reminds us that through the Sacred Heart of Jesus we also have the real hope of sharing in the resurrection. At this celebration, we offer our praise and devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in thanksgiving for the love they have for us." said Vincent Asaro '22 during the Mass's introduction.

Special thanks to our Campus Ministry members, extraordinary ministers of holy communion, band, chorus, and all involved that made our Mass such a solemn and wonderful celebration.

At the conclusion of our ceremony, Principal Ryan Gallagher '00 spoke to our school community about the Gospel reading and the start of our school year. "As partners in mission with the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, we strive to focus everything we do around the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the two ultimate Servant Leaders. When we strive to be servant leaders - to lead by example and by giving of ourselves for the benefit of others - then we are doing right by those two Sacred Hearts," reflected Principal Gallagher. "Father Andre’ Coindre - another model of servant leadership - taught us to act with courage and to have confidence in ourselves and to place our trust in God, just like we heard in today’s Gospel readings from both Elizabeth and Mary. If we have Courage, Confidence, and Trust in God, in one another, and in ourselves, we will accomplish much good throughout this year."

Principal Gallagher additionally noted that Father Paul recently celebrated his 30th anniversary in the priesthood. Our students, faculty, and staff gave Father Paul a standing ovation to congratulate and thank him for his model of servant leadership.