On Christmas Eve each year, old scholars and friends of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ celebrate with carols and Mass in the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Chapel, in memory of Br Peter Dezani SDB.
The ceremony this year saw a good congregation of old scholar families, current families, some new and some old faces. The event was managed by Mr Tony Webb and Ms Diane Cerritelli. The pair have been the driving force for this traditional occasion for many, many years and their support is much appreciated. The music and singing was wonderfully led by members of the St John's Parish Choir, thanks to the ongoing support from Mrs Anne Loring.
Thank you also to the readers, and special thanks to Fr Bernie Graham SDB who was celebrating his second Christmas Eve Mass of the day, having returned from his duties at Triabunna with minutes to spare. Fr Bernie highlighted that this occasion was the final formal College occasion for retiring Principal, Beth Gilligan. He also asked the congregation to pray for Fr Peter Rankin SDB former College Rector who is in the last stages of his life in Victoria.
Fr Bernie also drew our attention to the new Memorial Wall in the Chapel which was blessed in November, which commemorates 17 of the students and staff who passed away while they were studying or teaching at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ.
The collection was taken up for the Br Peter Dezani Scholarship Fund. DOSA Committee chair, Ms Leesa Baker, said she was very pleased with the support for the event, especially given the mask requirements. A generous supper was available afterwards and a number of welcome old scholars, including visitors from Western Australia and Queensland, enjoyed the DOSA hospitality.
You can see more photos on our gallery: Christmas Eve carols and Mass.