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Sodalities Continue Fr. Chaminade's Mission

Groups of Students Begin Year Together with Prayer Service

The Sodality of Our Lady of the Pillar opened the year with a prayer service Monday at Chaminade High School. It included Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a procession around the school's campus.

Bro. Patrick Sarsfield, S.M., moderator of the Chaminade Sodalities, welcomed members in the school's Darby Auditorium after an entrance song. Following scripture and Gospel readings, Fr. Garrett reminded students of what it means to be a Sodalist.

"A Sodalist has a strong desire to be present with Jesus, with his brothers and sisters in service to the Lord. I would encourage you, in your meetings this year, to be present to each other -- speak openly and from the heart. Help your other Sodalists and receive their help."

The Blessed Sacrament was then placed on a Eucharistic tower on the stage and students recited the Divine Praises.

Chaplain Fr. Garret Long, S.M. then carried the monstrance from the auditorium across the campus to the Chapel of Our Lady's Assumption. He was led by students playing bagpipes and carrying the Cross, incense, and candles through a long row of Sodality members. The scene makes for one of the most visually prayerful events of the school year.

Sodality meets every Monday for a half hour after school at Chaminade, Kellenberg Memorial High School, and St. Martin de Porres Marianist School -- no other activity meets during this time. In 1800, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade established Sodalities in the wake of the French Revolution. A small group of men formed a Sodality to discuss the issues of the day, including the re-Christianize the country.

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