and by Br Jerome Ellens (international leader of the Brothers) via Br Aengus, and there is no doubt that Patrick would have been deeply touched by the sentiments their words conveyed. But it seemed only too obvious that the sentiments, conveyed through the ceremony by his own school community, staff and students, had the greatest impact upon him.
And indeed he was right to take such great pride and such delight in his school community. Every aspect of the Mass and the ceremonies which followed - the abundant decorations; the carefully-thought-out symbols and liturgy; the well-rehearsed and excellent readings and singing; the deliciously prepared and presented food; the standing ovationS; the attentiveness and involvement of the students - proclaimed the true and strong feelings of the school community towards their departing Principal. It was indeed an honour for all us "outsiders" to witness to and to contribute to this wonderful and authentic display of gratitude and praise. After the last of the guests had left, the school took Patrick once again into their college hall to say some more good-byes. This was a private affair, an opportunity for the boys and staff to have Patrick to themselves and to be able to tell him through the spoken words of a few selected staff and students, and through the written words in hundreds of letters presented to him, how they felt about him, how grateful they were to him, and wishing him well for the future: "I hope your life to come is as estactic as my two years here at St Pats have been," was how one Year 12 student expressed his feelings. As Patrick leaves the Principal's office for the last time on Friday the 1st July, with the thanks, praises, and well-wishes of so many hundreds ringing in his ears, it seems a sure thing indeed that only two things will occupying his thoughts: his gratitude to the staff, students, and friends of Patrician Brothers Blacktown for making his fifteen years there so enjoyable and enriching; and his frequent request of his boys of St Pats to be "men of prayer". Click here for story in The Catholic Weekly
|
