Students cultivate a habit of gratitude at Ursuline. They are thankful for parents and families, teachers, classmates, and friends, and the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving, which takes place on November 23.

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the all-school celebration of the Eucharist on Tuesday, November 21 was especially fitting. The word Eucharist (from the Greek eucharistia) means 'thanksgiving.' It is an annual tradition to pause and give thanks for the many blessings and gifts God has given us. 

Today's liturgy was made even more special with the welcome of co-celebrant Father Clement Muozoba, who celebrated alongside Ursuline chaplain Monsignor Dennis P. Keane. Father Muozoba is visiting from his native Nigeria and will spend Christmas at the Church of the Holy Family in New Rochelle. 

 

The mass also commemorated the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mother, when Mary's parents took her to the temple to consecrate her to the Lord, a Jewish custom of the day. Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president, explained, "On this holy feast day, we celebrate Mary as a temple where God dwelt in a special way through her role as the mother of Jesus." 

Music performed by Ursuline cantors, including middle-school and high-school students, set a prayerful tone. Among the student-led petitions, participants prayed for those who struggle with food insecurity and asked that they may benefit from the generous hearts of their neighbors and friends. Dr. Melnyk reminded those gathered to take the day to pause and give thanks. "It’s important to stop and reflect on how God provides for us again and again," she said. "Together, let us acknowledge God’s goodness and thank God for his abundant generosity and love."