The Class of 2022 received their senior rings on Thursday, August 27th, at St. Dominic Catholic Church in New Orleans. This liturgy celebrates the kick-off to our Crusaders’ senior year and represents the rich tradition of Brother Martin High School.
The Senior Ring Mass is a reminder to our students that they are integral to carrying on the rich tradition that has been passed on by the many men who have ventured forth from the halls of St. Aloysius, Cor Jesu, and Brother Martin High schools.
The ring itself symbolizes the school’s history, which is rich with the community’s cultural heritage. It connects past and future and is a reminder of the steadfast presence of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans. The symbols on the ring include:
After a homily by Mass Officiant, Fr. Paul Hart ‘70, Brother Martin Chaplain, Principal Ryan Gallagher ‘00 offered a moving reflection before the seniors received their rings:
“One month from now, 200 years will have passed since ten men of diverse backgrounds ascended together in La Fouviere, a church in Lyon, France, to take the first vows of the Brothers, breathing life to the rich institution that we know today. These ten men gathered together united in Faith in God, in a Holy Spirit that they trusted would provide. Everyone in this church, parents, guardians, faculty and staff, and our Senior Class, in some way has benefitted from that tremendous faith. We are the offspring of that courage. We are the bearers of the fruit of that trust.
On a much, much smaller scale - but in a way not unlike those first ten brothers - we all gather tonight as one unified community: a community of believers…believers in the power of the Holy Spirit; in the mercy and love that flows from the open heart of Jesus Christ; and in the power of Faith.
We gather as a community of Crusaders – as one family. As diverse as we all may be – with different gifts; different forms of service to offer; different insights to share; we are all united in our Faith.
Will you allow God to use you as his instrument for good? How will you be faithful to the values of Brother Martin High School and the Brothers Of the Sacred Heart in a dynamic way? Will you continue to light the path, paving the way for others who will follow in your footsteps?
The ring you’ll receive in just a few moments is not the instrument. You are. I hope you’ll have the courage, trust, and Faith to allow God to use you in the same way he’s used all of those who preceded you.
Ametur Cor Jesu. Ametur Cor Mariae.”
Seniors, let these rings mark your commitment to being God’s instrument every day, even beyond your time at Brother Martin.