A historic opening mass on Saturday at Holy Family Church marked the official beginning of the centennial of Saint Raphael Academy. Many alumni and friends, faculty and staff—even former faculty and staff—were in attendance to celebrate the milestone.
Saint Raphael Academy officially opened its doors on September 10, 1924, welcoming 59 young men into what was once a residence at 123 Walcott Street (now the White Building). With support from the Diocese of Providence and in consultation with Bishop William Hickey, the local pastors whose parishes provided students for the new high school decided that the Academy should be dedicated to Saint Raphael, one of the seven Archangels and the patron saint of youth. The Academy’s first teachers were Christian Brothers, who brought the ideals and teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle Salle to the U.S. and started many Catholic schools in New York and the Northeast.
The school is simultaneously a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Providence and one of more than 1,000 Lasallian educational ministries worldwide.
Diocese Adds Their Own Touch to the Celebration
The Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning concelebrated the mass with the Rev. Mark Gadoury, who was just appointed to SRA in June. Bishop Henning told those assembled that the crosier (or pastoral staff) that he carried in the procession was made in 1919 for Bishop Hickey, and quite possibly was the very staff that he had used at the Academy’s dedication in May 1925. In further homage to the occasion, the bishop’s vestiments featured purple bands wih gold embroidery and Saint Raphael Academy’s Lasallian star logo.
Bishop Henning asked SRA’s previous chaplain, Rev. Ryan Simas, to serve as his master of ceremonies. Also in attendance were priests who have previously served at SRA—Rev. Carl Fissette and Rev. Mark Sauriol—Msgr. Albert Kenney from the diocese, and several others who came from local elementary school parishes.
The Christian Brothers were represented by Br. William Mann, FSC, who gave the second reading, and is a former principal, and others in attendance.
In his homily, Bishop Henning spoke of the partnership one has with God, and the Latin word communionem, meaning “fellowship”, which was established to draw us closer to God.
Bishop Henning noted that he was sure that there were many alumni present who made lasting friendships during their four years at Saints. Friendship is love, and it is “the miracle that occurs when others trust in God,” he said.
More Surprises Made for a Special Day
A special treat was the organization of an alumni choir, whose voices uplifted all present in a joyful way. The choir numbered about 30 and, amazingly, had only a few practices prior to the Mass. A beautiful rendition of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” was sung by the duet of Moira Costigan Carraher ’97 and John McElroy ’04 as the communion meditation.
Regrettably, the anniversary Mass was likely one of the final occassions that Bishop Henning would be on campus, as he is preparing for his move to Boston as the Archbishop-elect of that diocese. The Saint Raphael Academy community, represented by Jules Costello ’25, presented a gift to the bishop. While the bishop originally hails from New York, Jules said that he hoped the gift would help him transition to the Boston area and look “wicked smaht”; it was a Celtics championship jersey.
Upon leaving the church, attendees received a St. Raphael medal and prayer card blessed by the bishop. Attendees then enjoyed a catered brunch reception in Alumni Hall.
A Flag of Distinction
On Tuesday, September 10, Saint Raphael Academy was honored by the USS Constitution in Boston, Mass. In recognition of 100 years of providing Lasallian education in Pawtucket, R.I., the USS Constitution flew a 48-star American flag from her mast from sunrise to sunset. The flag was honorably retired at sunset and given to Saint Raphael Academy with a personalized certificate of recognition from the Constitution’s commanding officer, Commander Crystal L. Schaefer. The flag and certificate will subsequently be prominently displayed at Saint Raphael Academy.
Media from the Event
The Mass was livestreamed on social media. You can view it on Saint Raphael Academy’s 100th Year YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXFzUYFxGLM
A photo gallery will be uploaded soon.
