“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5, New International Version).

On Friday, April 12, Xavier hosted its annual Grandparents’ Day celebration.

This event is held each year as a way for Saints to commemorate and reconnect with their grandparents.

Guests were invited to enjoy a variety of pastries, coffee and juices before getting a chance to catch up with their grandchildren or tour the school.

In addition, photographers made their way around the gym, taking pictures of grandparents and their grandchildren before Mass.

In front of the altar stood leafless trees covered in yellow, blue and pink paper flowers. Each petal represented a grandparent who had either passed away, was unable to attend or present at the celebration.

Presided by Father Mark Ressler for the first time, the overarching theme of the liturgy was “The truth of Jesus is witnessed by others.”

Voce, an auditioned choral ensemble directed by Xavier’s Mr. Matt Walker, led the congregation in song, alongside an assortment of instruments played by students as well as an accompanist.

“Take time each day to be grateful for your grandparents,” celebrant Fr. Ressler said when asked if there was anything he would say to all the Saints who have lost their grandparents. “Cherish your memories.”

Fr. Ressler also mentioned in his homily that his own grandfather, Willie Driscoll, passed along his faith and Irish sense of storytelling.

Following the homily, a collection for The Haitian Project was taken up.

After the Mass had concluded, students were released from school in order to give those who had grandparents in attendance the chance to grab lunch together.

“My grandparents are my favorite people,” freshman Brooke Loney said. “They’ve taught me the importance of using your manners and treating all people with kindness.”

So together, students hold onto their yellow, blue and pink paper petals in hopes that through memories, both old and new, that their flowers will stay in bloom.