Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau reminded the sixth-grade graduates of St Francis de Sales Catholic Primary School to always remember the importance of gratitude as they move on to the next stage of their academic journey, during their Exodus Mass and awards ceremony.
Archbishop Pinder said gratitude encourages people toward faith. “If you have it, you have to share it, you have to show it, and you have to express it. So be grateful to your parents, teachers and friends,” he said, according to a report from The Nassau Guardian.
The Archbishop also encouraged the students to be thankful to all who helped make their journey up to their primary years graduation the success that it was.
And he said the best way for them to do that was to continue to care about their attitudes and values and be courageous in all they do.
Of the 16 sixth grade graduated students, 10 were in second grade at St Francis when the devastating Hurricane Dorian pummelled Abaco in 2019.
“St Francis de Sales (SFDS) students performed extremely well despite having to relocate to New Providence after Hurricane Dorian. I am encouraged by their perseverance and wish them much success as they matriculate into high school,” said Dr Alexandria Roberts-Bowe, director of Catholic Education.
The SFDS Exodus Mass and awards ceremony was held June 6 at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
The Exodus Mass is a celebration of sixth-grade students’ matriculation to high school.
SFDS High School has not been rebuilt. All 16 of the students will move out of the Catholic school system and attend school elsewhere.
