Students celebrate first Mass of the school year, Fr. Gil blesses icon

The first Mass of the school year was celebrated this past Thursday morning. The Campus Ministry team participated in the readings, responses, and the procession of the gifts. Students celebrated a devoted Mass to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and everyone was given a copy of the original icon on display that was later blessed by Fr. Gil, a Redemptorist priest currently serving as pastor at Blessed Seelos Catholic Church in Biloxi.

The Redemptorist Order currently owns the original icon, which is located in the mother church in Rome, Italy. The Redemptorist Order is currently celebrating its Jubilee anniversary of 150 years, so this made the Mass even more special for Fr. Gil. Fr. Gil explained the history behind the historic icon, talking about its Greek origins and where it was located on the island of Crete.

This Mass was special to many people in attendance, one being Mr. Creel, current seventh and eighth grade religious studies teacher.  “My grandma Creel had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help,” he states, “so this devotion holds a special place in my heart.”  Creel also spoke about the need for more devotions to the Blessed Mother and he knows that this icon will help students grow closer to Jesus and Mary.

The icon will make a pilgrimage throughout the school, moving to different classrooms throughout the entire school year.

Story by: Andrew Lechner; Photo credit: Terry Creel