On Tuesday 20th May, 2025, Holy Name Convent celebrated May Procession with veneration of the Virgin Mary. Pupils, teachers and their acting principal and vice principal came together as a school to honour Mary. This ceremony is usually held in the Memorial Park, however, due to unforeseen weather circumstances it was held in the school’s Marian Hall.
To begin the ceremony, students filtered into the hall where they partook in praise and worship. It was then followed by the procession of the four house flags of Saint Dominic, Saint Catherine, Saint Albert and Saint Rose.
As the core choir sang Marian hymns, a group of Form 4 students then brought in the palanquin with a statue of The Blessed Mother. Decorated with an array of white roses, they carried it to the altar, which stood at the center of the Hall’s stage.
This was then followed by the recitation of the most holy rosary. The Glorious Mysteries were prayed with each decade being divided between the four houses and the fifth and final decade being led by Sr. Patrice Forde and Mr. Brent Durham.
During the closing prayers of the rosary, the entire school kneeled in front of the Blessed Lady’s statue in adoration for her and all the blessings that her son, Jesus Christ, has bestowed upon us.
Afterwards, the school stood silently, as students brought a range of flowers from their homes to place at the feet of Our Lady Of Fatima Statue at the front of Holy Name Convent. Those holding the school flags stood proudly behind the statue and the core choir behind them as students from all classes began to exit the hall and process around the now adorned statue.
Overall, May Procession is a great celebration for all. It gives us remembrance of who our blessed Virgin Mary truly is and represents. As Roman Catholics, we do not worship Mary in any way, however, we celebrate and recognize her as the mother of God.
Behold the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Fatima. The woman who was born without sin, who dedicated her life to doing God’s will. She is an inspiration to all, so that we too may serve our Lord and savior in all that we do.
Written by: Veronica McDonald and Kyara Linton.
Photography by: Nathanya Allen