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60th Anniversary Mass of St Monica’s Prep

The programme was a simple yet elegant leaflet of green, white and grey with the words “60 Years of Faith”; the keepsake, a bookmark, presented the former and present locations of our dear school.

On November 26, 2019, St Monica’s Preparatory School celebrated its 60th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Assumption Church, Maraval. The chief celebrant was Fr Gregory Augustine CSSp with concelebrants Frs Ashton Pierre CSSp, Derek Anton (past pupil) and Mark Georges (former school chaplain).

In attendance were pupils, parents and teachers, both past and present, as well as Sisters of the Holy Faith Community—Srs Roberta, Juliet, Marie, Theresa, Mary Anthony, Janice and Pauline.

During his interactive homily, Fr Gregory was able to pull memories and thoughts of St Monica’s Prep from both past and present pupils. Their responses spoke of passionate teachers, caring custodians and PE days in the yard.

The music also reflected the mood of the morning where the past met the present. The choir was accompanied by the keyboard, guitar, drums, violin and steel pan, and the congregation was treated to the ‘Lamb of God’ and ‘The Anima Christi’ in Latin…simple yet elegant.

The foundress of the Holy Faith Congregation, Margaret Aylward, had a vision of starting a religious community which would be involved in taking care of children. This vision became a reality with the Sisters of the Holy Faith, and this reality gave bloom to many schools.

As the words of the school song go, “Hurrah for St Monica’s Prep! Not one of us here out of step. In our uniforms smart, we are proud to be seen, in our colours of grey, white and green!” Archbishop Jason Gordon could not celebrate the Mass due to other urgent official matters but was able to join the anniversary celebrations as he said the blessing of the meal and we shared his great company and wit.

The celebrations continue till the end of the academic year. May God’s blessings reign forever upon St Monica’s Prep!

— Ann Marie Clarke, Principal