Vibrant Faith

Today, September 16th, marks the 75th anniversary of the opening of Central Catholic High School, which began with Mass at St. Mary's Church celebrated by Father Campbell. Our entire student body, faculty and staff will gather there this morning for Mass, celebrated by Father John Delaney, a Central graduate, to offer prayers of gratitude for the zeal and vibrant faith of Brother Florentius, founder of Central Catholic, and to seek God's blessing on our mission now and well into the future.
Yesterday I spoke with Retired Captain Raymond Tanguay '39, who was among the 50 first students present at that first Mass. He recalled how after Mass the students walked down Haverhill Street to the Knights of Columbus buidling where all 50 students gathered in the large auditorium for their classes. Their teachers were Bro. Florentius, Bro. Thomas Austin and Bro. Joannes. All students took the same courses. Captain Tanguay recalls the kindness of Bro. Florentius, and especailly, his warm, welcoming smile as well as how after lunch, he led the students in the rosary while standing next to their desks. The strength, faith, courage and insight of Bro. Florentius are legendary, but to be remembered after 75 years for a smile, speaks volumes about the man and serves as an inspiration for the whole Central Family.
Raymond Tanguay entered the Service immediatly after graduation (Graduation was on a Sunday, and he was on a train to boot camp on Thursday!), but was selected for officer's training after writing an essay (the only one in his recruiting class to be so selected). He attributes this ability to the excellent education he received at Central, a tradition that continues to this day. Ray served the country for 23 years and took part in WW II and the Korean War, but his fondest memories are those of his days and Central and the Brothers who taught him.
It is this legacy that we begin to celebrate today until May 1st, the official closing of this Jubilee Year with Mass celebrated by Cardinal Sean O'Malley. May God grant us his blessing and many more years of successful fidelity to the mission and vibrant faith of St. Marcellin, as passed on to us by Brother Florentius.
Bro. Rene