VASJ celebrates Founders Day
Every January, the Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School community comes together for the annual Founders Day liturgy and celebration. The month of January marks the feast day of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters, and Chaminade Day, named for Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Society of Mary.
As VASJ is the only school in the world sponsored by both the Ursulines and the Marianists, Founders Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the school’s unique identity.
VASJ President Richard Osborne ’69 remarked, “We are here to give honor, say thank you and to celebrate.” That’s what Founders Day is all about — honoring founders St. Angela Merici and the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, thanking the Ursulines and Marianists for their sponsorship, and celebrating VASJ’s student scholars.
Father Jim Bartlett, SM, opened the celebration with Mass where he spoke of forgiveness and grace. “Grace is all around you like the air you breathe,” he said. “And grace is love.”
At the conclusion of the Mass, more than 50 of VASJ’s scholar students accepted their awards with humility, excitement and, above all, grace. With more than $50,000 awarded in scholarships, it was the perfect ending to a wonderful celebration.
Emily Robinson
Director of Communications at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School