Convocation Liturgy Marks Official Start of Academic Year

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Convocation Liturgy Marks Official Start of Academic Year
Convocation Liturgy Marks Official Start of Academic Year

On Friday, September 6th, Austin Prep marked the official start of the academic year with the celebration of the annual Convocation Liturgy. Austin Prep welcomed Father Robert Hagan, O.S.A. Augustinian Prior Provincial of Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, which celebrates 150 years this year, as the principal celebrant and homilist. The celebration was open to parents and livestreamed to the school community. You can view photos from the day here.

Complete with the pageantry expected of Convocation – including the procession of students carrying class banners, welcomed by faculty in academic regalia to the sounds of the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums – this year's liturgy continued to include a parade of flags representing the national heritages of those in our school community. Over 90 national flags were included.

Janna Vounessea '25

 

Janna Vounessea '25, School-Wide Student Government President, began the ceremony by addressing her classmates and referencing the School theme for the year: Anchored in Christ, We Venture in Hope. 

"In our Austin Prep Journey, we are all lucky enough to have a strong support system. Whether it's in academics, athletics, arts, or just about anything else, our friends, teachers, coaches, and administration all want us to be successful and are all committed to helping us achieve our goals," Janna said. "While they are our support system, Jesus Christ is also Anchored with us at all times. He gives us courage and strength when we need it and will love us during both good and bad times. Which is why during this upcoming school year, we need to venture in hope because God always has a plan for us."

Father Robert Hagan, O.S.A. Augustinian Prior Provincial of Province of St. Thomas of Villanova.

 

Father Hagan began his remarks by noting that while he had never been to Austin Prep, "as Augustinians we are family. So thank you for welcoming me home as we share the same values of veritas, unitas, and caritas."

 

After spending many years as an Associate Athletic Director in the athletics department at Villanova University, Father Hagan went on to tell the story of a walk-on basketball player for the University. The player had packed his bag for a game and brought two left shoes. Not expecting to play in the game, the player did not think it would be a concern, until he was ultimately called into game action.

"We are on a Journey and we must pack well for this trip. In life you have to go with what is in your bag. Go with what you've got. For St. Augustine, he would substitute his heart for the bag. Make sure you go with what is in your heart," Father Hagan concluded.

Head of School, Dr. James Hickey P'22, '23, '24, '27

 

Head of School, Dr. James Hickey P'22, '23, '24 '27, kicked off Austin Prep's 62nd academic year by welcoming those in attendance, and framing his comments around the School's 2024-2025 academic year theme. "Hope is not a strategy, unless that hope is anchored to a solid plan, an unmatched work ethic, or a solid foundation."

Dr. Hickey noted later, "In those circumstances beyond our control, there is one solid strategy we can use: prayer. And it anchors us to Christ."

To mark the occasion, Senior Class Representatives Nicholas Kuntz ‘25 and Sailet Galvis ‘25 raised the Class of 2025 banner, which will eventually be hoisted to the rafters of Meelia Hall, where it will remain until being lowered at Baccalaureate Mass in May, 2025.