St. Francis Xavier School: 85 and kicking!

St. Francis Xavier School in Metairie celebrated its 85th anniversary with a Mass of thanksgiving and jubilee Feb. 10 celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond. The past contributions of all who were associated with the school since 1926, from teachers and principals including the Sisters of Mercy – several of whom were present at the Mass (right) – and former pastors, were recognized. Archbishop Aymond said  these individuals used their gifts to make St. Francis the place it is today and taught not only academic subjects that students needed but enlightened them about Jesus. Because it is a Catholic school,  “Jesus walks into your classroom every day,” he told them. “He helps you learn and shows you as a big brother how to act and love. … We thank Jesus for that. … When you walk back into your classrooms, remember it’s not just you and your teachers walking around. Jesus is walking around.”