Today is the liturgical feastday of Saint Francis Xavier. While the church celebrates this day, and remembers the Jesuit missionary who spent so much of his life evangelizing in India and in Japan, there is another tradition which is continuing today (a little closer to home).
In particular, Saint Francis Xavier University, located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, traditionally holds its convocation ceremonies on this day. The festivities begin with a special Mass celebrated in thanksgiving for years well spent, for lessons well learned, and for wisdom discovered. During the day, degrees are conferred and the famous St.FX rings are distributed (yes, to every one of the graduates). In the following days, diplomas are awarded to those who have completed studies in the various Diploma programs and other achievements are duly recognized.
Across Canada, there are a number of St.FX chapters which have been established, and each of them is also invited today to celebrate a Mass and to mark the occasion in a suitable fashion. In some places, there is a special supper, in others there is a wine and cheese, in all of them, there is a time for catching up with goings on at St.FX and for renewing aquaintences with former X-men and women who are currently in the area.
This is a wonderful way to maintain school spirit, and to continue the tradition first begun by the Saint himself - never fearing to go to places not yet discovered, in order to preach the good news of Christ risen, and to continue doing the work of reconciling and proclaiming the truth of life to the full given, promised and proclaimed for us all.
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