“After your season of suffering, God in all His grace will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10

On November 14, Xavier welcomed family and friends to join the Saints in the Ron Thillen Gymnasium for the annual Memorial Mass presided by Fr. Jack Flaherty.

This Mass honored all Regis, LaSalle and Xavier alumni who have passed away this past year, in addition to the previously deceased.

Student participation included setting up, greeting, tending to the reception and assisting with the clean-up that ensued.

“The Memorial Mass is one of the great traditions we have here at Xavier,” Xavier Marketing and Communications Director Nick Ireland said. “I hope it sends a message to the students that even after they have moved on from Xavier, …even after they move on from this world, that they will always be remembered here as a part of our family and our great Catholic school story in our community which spans many generations. For the families, our hope is always that they know if they need anywhere to turn to for support, that we are here for them.”

Guests were also invited to attend a reception, following the Mass, hosted by the Xavier Foundation.

This gave many the opportunity to meet, chat and catch up with fellow members of the Xavier community who are also mourning the death of a loved one.

“We wanted to honor those who have made an impact on Xavier: teachers, alumni, and special friends who have donated their time or gifts to the school,” Xavier Foundation Director of Development Mary Harken said. “One of the most rewarding things is seeing the Xavier community come together on that day.”

The annual celebration reminded Saints that all those who are deceased are more than just names scrolling across a screen and listed in a paper program, or represented by candles lining the edge of the altar.

They are sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandpas and grandmas.

They are the Royals, Lancers and Saints who have left an eminent impact on the lives of many through their legacies.

For although the pain may linger, and at times seem overbearing, piece by piece God will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish all who trust in Him.