Angel of Peace joins campus at Golden Brunch
Over 100 alumni and guests returned for a morning of catching up with friends and classmates
Sunday, October 2, 2016
At the annual Mass and Brunch for alumni who have been graduates for more than fifty years, a new statue donated by Babs Donahue - the "Angel of Peace" - was dedicated in front of the Ryken Center. Alongisde Babs, her family, and guests, members of the Pashos family dedicated granite benches surrounding the statue in memory of their son and brother, Angelo V. Pashos '03, who was tragically killed in a drunk driving accident in 2006.
As is tradition every fall, "Golden Pioneer Alumni" (those who have been alumni for fifty or more years) gather for Mass and a special brunch at Saint John's. Rev. Edward Niccolls '66, who celebrated his first Golden Brunch as a participant, offered the Mass, along with alumni Deacon Miles Hayes '58. Fran Trainor '50 served as lector for the day. Newly inducted Golden Pioneers receive a pin, which many wear with pride to Saint John's reunions, events, and games.
Following the Mass, guests enjoyed brunch in the Salem Student Commons. Mrs. Babs Donahue encouraged those gathered to pay a visit to the statue and use the new space as a place of reflection and prayer.
About the Angel of Peace statue
This bronze angel statue, generously donated to Saint John’s High School by Mrs. Barbara (Babs) Donahue in memory of her husband Irving James Donahue, Jr., is a copy of Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Angel of Peace. She was cast in Germany before finding her home in Shrewsbury. The Angel was erected at Babs’ home in 2005, in memory of all the angels who guard us, particularly the one who appeared before Babs and her daughter on the day her husband Jim passed away.
On September 24, 2016, the Angel was moved from Babs’ home and erected at Saint John’s High School. She was formally dedicated and blessed by Br. Paul Feeney, C.F.X. on October 2, 2016, on The Feast of the Guardian Angels.
On September 24, 2016, the Angel was moved from Babs’ home and erected at Saint John’s High School. She was formally dedicated and blessed by Br. Paul Feeney, C.F.X. on October 2, 2016, on The Feast of the Guardian Angels.
Browse through pictures of the Golden Pioneer Brunch and Angel of Peace Dedication taken by senior photographer Kepei Lei '17.
