OLIVET (GEORGETOWN), IL
6-14-2011
Foundation and formation: A formation which takes the immature freshman who first enters La Salette, to the senior who graduates, a young man learning to be the master of himself; Foundation also, both on the natural plain of the humanities and the sciences, music and art, but so much more importantly the spiritual foundation and habits of prayer, sacraments and sacrifice. These are the goals of education; these are the goals of La Salette. The culminating point of both these works of foundation and formation is in the graduation, in which the student leaves the academy to begin his place in the world; in which the soldier, having been given all his weapons for combat during his training period, now goes out to take an active part in the war.
On Saturday, June 11, eleven young men graduated from La Salette Academy, off toward their vocations as God has so ordained for each of them. The ceremony commenced the night before, with the traditional senior play, this year Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing, directed by Mr. Peter Bourbeau. It was brilliantly presented, full of humorous quips and jokes, and supported by the strong performances of the seniors, especially Theodore Fisher, Michael Bourbeau, Nicholas Jemison, and Christian Flanery.
The following day, the traditional graduation Mass was held, celebrated by Fr. Gerard Beck, with Fr. Richard Boyle (class of 2002) and Fr. Michael McMahon as the deacon and subdeacon respectively. Fr. Boyle addressed the seniors during the sermon, reminding them of their duty to leave the academy and go out into the world, as Our Lord also left the Apostles at the Ascension to go to His Father. Subsequently, the entire senior class knelt before the high altar and promised their allegiance to their Alma Mater, the sorrowful Mother of La Salette, and to fight as true soldiers of Christ. The Mass ended with the singing of the Te Deum and a solemn procession to the statue of the weeping Lady of La Salette.
At noon, the commencement ceremonies were held. Fr. Beck gave the official address to the seniors, telling them of the duty to continue the formation that they have been given. Formation never ends; the Christian life is one of constantly striving after the perfection that can never be fully reached on this side of Heaven. La Salette is but the beginning—a Catholic man must build on this in order to accomplish his mission on this earth. Mr. Gerrity, assisted by Mr. Hayes and Mr. Tardiff, handed out the athletic and academic awards to the students to the applause of the large crowd gathered in the Coliseum where the ceremonies were being held. Both Salutatorian Connor Spencer and Valedictorian Theodore Fisher gave departing speeches, expressing their great debt to the school and the formation that they had received. Finally, Fr. McMahon personally addressed the seniors, encouraging them to stay true to their Faith and the formation received and the habits acquired. Their Alma Mater would always be there for them, in any trouble or need. This class with the grace of God and the help of Our Lady, together with the ceaseless work and prayers of the teachers and priests, had become an excellent class, true sons and loyal to Our Lady. Father then proceeded to hand out the Seven Sorrows Awards dedicated to the sorrows of Our Lady: school spirit, devotion to duty, caritas (charity), overall improvement, academic excellence, athletic prowess and leadership/character. Having awarded these, the Headmaster proceeded to award the diplomas, and the new alumni with the entire staff and student body recessed singing the Alma Mater and the La Salette fight song.
A great meal was held outdoors, followed by the traditional Blue and White game. The visiting alumni contended in this traditional rugby match against the academy’s current team. It turned out to be no real match at all, as the White team (current players) defeated the Blue (the alumni) by a score of 48-0. Despite the score, still an enjoyable event for all the visiting families and spectators.
Thus ended the graduation, and eleven young men have left the academy, to go wherever God so ordains to fulfill His will. But they have forever engraved their names upon the mantle of Our Lady of La Salette and will not be forgotten. They have established themselves as true Lions of La Salette, and have left an example, a golden standard for the remaining students. May God and their Alma Mater always protect them, and may they remain ever loyal to Her and Her Son.
Deo Gratias.
Written by John Crowell, Class of 2012
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