This beautiful month of May, filled as it is with the new life of spring, is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Hawthorn took the time on May 6th to honour her in a special way, including all of our beloved mothers and mother-figures in our tribute.
We began by joining together to sing O Canada in the Atrium and were warmly welcomed by Mrs McRae, Director of Parent, Student, and Alumnae Relations. LS student Agnes was called to present the flower crown, made by hand for Our Lady. US students Isabella and Viktoria, along with each of their mothers, crowned the statue of Mother Mary, and Fr Eric blessed her. Then, despite the cool morning rain, we began the outdoor procession around our school, led by Ms Szalados & Ms Kim and four students carrying the statue, lifting our voices together in the wonderful music chosen by our Choir teacher Ms Pappalardo and expertly sustained by our US Choir. Once indoors again, mothers and daughters placed their bouquets of flowers in vases at the feet of Our Lady, and Fr Eric celebrated an all-school Mass in our chapel, with the overflow of guests able to attend virtually in the Learning Centre. And to conclude, breakfast was served! We partook in a delicious hot meal in the Atrium and settled in to savour flavours, companionship, and joy, all under the loving gaze of the Queen of Heaven!