FRESHMAN CLASS DIVISIONAL COUNCIL

Freshman Celebrate Annual Mary, Mother of Nations Prayer Service

Congratulations to the freshman class on a great celebration of Mary, Mother of Nations. On Thursday, April 15, the freshman class will continue the tradition of honoring God's Mother under the title "Mary, Mother of Nations." The image of Mary, Mother of Nations was created by Jesuit priest-artist William Hart McNichols.

Mary is clothed in a saffron robe and hold the planet Earth. The saffron color represents her Wisdom in listerning to God's will in salvation history while the cradling of the planet represents her Compassion for the various nations.

Mary, Mother of Nations was portrayed by Ms. Erin Vader, NCHS alumna and principal of St. Peter the Apostle School in Fort Worth. As Mary, Ms. Vader presided over the special prayer service in which freshman students and their teachers participate through special readings, gifts, dances and musical numbers. Freshman members of the NCHS choir and band led the liturgy in music.

The freshman class received a special blessing during the service and we're sure that Mary was pleased.

History of the Mary, Mother of Nations service:
About 10 years ago, Mr. Stephen Kai Nemeth, faculty member, along with the freshman team of teachers instituted this tradition which exemplifies the Marianist charism. "This tradition," says Nemeth, "honors God's Mother and an outstanding freshman community. It elicits a collaboration of talents from many people, and strengthens the bonds among freshman students and teachers."

This annual event comes together due to the strong support of Freshman Moderator Mark von Rosenberg, NCHS Principal Cathy Buckingham, as well as the NCHS Campus Ministry Team. "We ask for Mother Mary's blessing and hope she will be pleased.