More than 200 grandparents were on campus at Rice Memorial High School to join in a school-wide celebration of the Rice family.
In his homily for grandparents’ mass, Bishop John McDermott made clear the importance of grandparents in students’ lives: “Like guardian angels, grandparents go before us to guide and protect us.”
Principal Andy Nagy echoed the bishop’s sentiments, thanking grandparents for their role in supporting students and describing the importance of this tradition of the grandparents’ mass.
“You can tell by the smiles on their faces,” said Nagy, “that this is an exciting, wonderful event for [your grandchildren].”
Lucy Stillman ’14, Director of Events and Alumni Engagement, was excited about the event.
“Compared to last year, we had about 110 guests, and this year we had well over 200,” said Stillman. “It was really significant.”
Beyond attendance, it was the quality of the experience that she found most touching. Stillman has a photo of herself with her grandparents at the grandparents’ mass 11 years ago, when she was a student.
“A lot of people have the same stories of grandparents saying this day means so much to them,” added Stillman. “They’re so happy to be here, and they’re so happy to see that the school looks so great. The kids look so happy.”
Mass ended with a special blessing of the grandparents. Students placed a hand on a grandparent’s shoulder. Many chose to put their arm around and embrace them. Dozens of voices could be heard reading the prayers of thanksgiving:
For the ways they helped me and made me strong, I give thanks.
For the ways they love me no matter what, I rejoice.
For the ways they have paved the road that leads me here, I am grateful.
After Mass, visitors gathered for light refreshments and conversation. Some guests chose to walk the halls of the building, stopping in classrooms and reminiscing about their time at Rice.
James Varricchione ’69 recalled his own graduation time at Rice.
“I remember walking from Cathedral [the original Catholic high school] to Rice,” said Varricchione.
His brother, John Varriochionne ’65, who taught English at Rice for four decades and was known as Mr. V.–or Coach–to his students, added, “We took that walk for the next ten 10 years” to commemorate the change.
Both remarked on what great shape the building is in and how happy they are to be connected to Rice.
It was clear that the presence of grandparents was appreciated and celebrated.
Stillman noted that while she thanked visitors for coming, “every grandkid was hugging their grandparents and saying ‘I love you’. It was really sweet.”
Similarly, Bishop McDermott noted the affection and joked about how many of the students had been watched by grandparents and that some of them still might be babysitting their grandkids.
“Just as guardian angels are the invisible signs of God’s love,” said Bishop McDermott, “Grandparents are the visible signs of that love.”
The Advancement Office noted that they would like to thank the students of NHS, Paul DiFalco, the facilities crew, Kevin Ginter, the administration, Neil Brodeur, and Pam King for all their help in preparing for the celebration.
Link to SmugMug photo folder. (Photos courtesy of Megan Shretha)
