On Monday, April 29, Cardinal Sean O’Malley paid a special visit to campus to bless St. Sebastian’s outdoor worship sites, the Oratory and the Stations of The Cross Pathway. The entire school community gathered for the ceremony led by the Cardinal and Headmaster Bill Burke.
Headmaster Burke delivered remarks, reminding the school community that these holy sites are open to all, 24/7, for prayer, meditation, or worship. Cardinal O’Malley then addressed the students and faculty before officially blessing the Oratory and the Stations of The Cross Pathway. In his reflections, he shared, “Certainly, this lovely grotto to Our Lady and the Stations of The Cross are very tangible signs of God’s presence in our lives and of the call to the life of discipleship which always begins with a life of faith and prayer.”
These two sacred spaces, designed by our architect, Rob Olson P’15,’18, in concert with Fr. John Arens, are beautiful additions to our community of spiritual depth. The Oratory, featuring a gorgeous statue of our Holy Mary holding the Christ child and a beautiful wall, was made possible by funds raised from the 2021 Christmas Auction. The Stations of The Cross Pathway, located along the stairwell leading to the Charles River, was funded by parents of the Class of 2023 through their Senior Class Gift. The marble statue of Mary was sculpted by artist Steve Shaheen, who also designed the images depicted in bronze on the Stations of The Cross.
It was an honor to have Cardinal O’Malley join us for this joyful celebration.