On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the faculty and staff at St. Joseph School in Webster, MA renewed its former annual practice of making a pilgrimage to the Felician Convent in Enfield, CT. With great joy and anticipation, two buses were hired to transport students from grades four through seven from MA to CT. The journey of faith, formation, and fellowship will now be an annual visit for the students–a treasured tradition that connects St. Joseph students to the heart of our Felician heritage.
Upon arrival at OLA, the students and adults were guided to the first floor. The visit began reverently in the chapel, where S Jeanne Marie Akalski led the students in a reflection on vocations. In the sacred silence, students were invited to calm their bodies and minds to truly listen. They were reminded that their first and most important vocation began at baptism–a call to be Catholic, to serve others with joy, love, and purpose. S Jeanne Marie emphasized two essential practices: 1) To spend time each day in prayer, just as one would practice a sport or musical instrument, and 2) To speak with a trusted adult when sensing God's call. Sister's heartfelt words encouraged the children to open their hearts to God's invitation and trust in His guidance.
In this Jubilee year, celebrating both the 150th anniversary of the Felician Sisters in North America and the legacy of our foundress, Blessed Mary Angela, S Mary Ann Papiez delivered an inspiring talk on Mother Angela's life and mission. With themes such as From Nobility to Humility, She Didn't Take "No" for an Answer, A Pioneer for Woman's Education, and Her Vision Reached Across the Ocean, students gained insight into the strength and vision of Blessed Mary Angela.
SM Laureann Alexandrowicz followed with a moving presentation on the pioneer sisters and shared the story behind the Blessed Mary Angela tapestry that once hung in St. Peter's Square during her beatification–now displayed at the Enfield convent chapel. She also explained the meaning of an area on the public side of the chapel decorated with an American flag, poster of Mother Angela and the five pioneer sisters. This brought the school's history to life, as students reflected on the sacred ties to the very sisters who founded St. Joseph School in 1892.
A special moment of the day was a session held in the community room led by Mrs. Boudreau, principal, S Anita Marie Taddonio, S Carol Marie Saladin, and St. Joseph teachers, Mrs. Weaver and Mrs. Lefebvre. They gathered to speak directly with the soon-to-be eighth graders. They reminded the students: "Next year, you're not just eighth graders—you are the role models, the future apostles of the school, the 2025-2026 edition!" They were encouraged to be "Christs and Marys in training, bringing love, guidance, and joy into every classroom and hallway with a twinkle in their eyes and a helping hand always ready." They were challenged to lead with laughter, love, and grace.
The fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students enjoyed viewing parts of the chapel and singing a few favorite songs until the seventh-grade class returned. The pilgrimage ended with a prayer service entitled Being Christ-like Role Models for the Rising Eighth Graders led by Mrs. Boudreau. Mrs. Weaver read the Gospel passage from Matthew: "You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden." Sr. Carol Marie and Sr. Anita Marie read a touching reflection, urging the students to be a light of hope, kindness, and Christ's love. Mrs. Lefebvre prayerfully conducted the Prayer of the Faithful, and S. Jeanne Marie led the closing prayer.
Following the spiritual portion of the day, the students enjoyed a short convent tour and then traveled to Sonny's Place in Somers, CT. This family-friendly entertainment center provided an afternoon of fun with mini golf, go-carts, zipline rides, a carousel, and more. The students were treated to a buffet-style lunch including hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chips, and unlimited soda during their four-hour visit.
The field trip to Our Lady of Angels Convent offered the students a meaningful way to encounter the mission and ministry of the Felician Sisters firsthand. By touring the chapel and viewing the beautiful tapestry for Mother Angela's beatification in St. Peter's Square, the students connected deeply with the roots of the school's rich spiritual and educational heritage.
