Felician and Basilian history is rich in its commitment to helping others and is a source of inspiration that guides and unites the school community in living out the values of: Excellence, Compassion, Justice and Respect. From October 4 to 10, HNMCS students took part in festive activities that honoured the tradition and charisms of their religious sponsors. This year’s theme was “Everyone Leads”. To that end, students led a school-wide Food and Clothing Drive for St. Felix Centre and a campaign for International Day of the Girl. Morning reflections, visits to the Felician convent, classroom relic discussions, video presentations, an art exhibit and a heritage menu ranging from croissants, to hearty soups and perogies immersed the Basilian and Felician heritage into the daily life of the school. HNMCS Faculty also joined together in a day of service preparing and serving a Thanksgiving meal to those in need while also sorting and laundering donated items to the clothing bank at St. Felix Centre in Toronto.

HNMCS celebrated the conclusion of Felician & Basilian Mission Heritage Week and Thanksgiving with a beautiful altar that displayed almost 300 cans of food as well as clothing collected for the St. Felix Centre.

Father Neiman D’Souza celebrated Mass and preached about how we must keep our eyes fixed on Christ and continue to be thankful every day. The liturgical choir sang beautifully, including a Thanksgiving hymn from the film The Sound of Music, “Edelweiss”.

The Mass was dedicated to the Gorthy family and the soul of Doris Gorthy, who lost a courageous battle with cancer on October 1.

The relics of Blessed Marie Angela and some of the Canadian martyrs were displayed during the Thanksgiving Mass making it feel as though the saints were celebrating with us.