On Tuesday, special Masses were put on and offered to students and staff by Fr. Sean Downing. It all took place in the new Mother Adele Chapel in the Convocation Center, and it was all in honor of the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother. Of course, Central Catholic being among the schools that are operated by the Society of Mary.

Fr. Sean talks about the importance of the Immaculate Conception. “She is the Mother of God, and I think it reminds us of her special call,” he says. “She had a special call when the Angel Gabriel announced to her she was going to be the Mother of God,” he said.

“She struggled with it initially… She had to ponder and she wasn’t sure what was going on and God and the Angel assured her, what we all need to know when we are going through changes, is do not be afraid,” he continues on with inspiring and wise words.

The Marianists were founded after Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, a priest who lived during the French Revolution and was exiled, founded the Order nearly 200 years ago. He brought the order to the United States shortly after, and settled in places such as various places in Ohio, and here in San Antonio. Them owning both St. Mary’s University and Central Catholic High School.

Fr. Sean, speaks on the importance of this Feast Day to the Society of Mary. “It is very important,” he emphasizes. “The Immaculate Conception is a very important feast to the Marianists because it reminds us of our call of saying ‘yes’ to God and persevering.”

“We (as an order) take a special vow of stability, and when we make this vow, we get this gold ring, and it symbolizes our vow of stability to Mary’s Mission. To the joys, where it’s easy, but also through the suffering, to stay focused on the mission and being men of prayer.”

Another feast celebrated by people in the South, and primarily in the country of Mexico, is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is coming up Saturday, December the 12th. Fr. Sean shares his insights on the comparison of the two days, and what importance they have to practicing Catholics. “I don’t know exactly why it landed on the Church Calendar that way, but they’re tied in together with Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. It fits really nicely into Advent leading up to Christmas,” he says.

Luke Hoenigman is a Theology teacher at Central Catholic, as well as Choir Director for all-school masses. He as a Catholic, explains why it is important that he celebrate this Mass and Feast Day. “Of course, it’s unfortunate in a lot of ways and this is one of those tragedies of COVID is that we can’t gather together and say mass, and as choir director, it breaks my heart,” he says.

As a teacher, he was asked what definition he would give to Mary. He responded, “We’re always going back to her. We start every class with a Hail Mary,” he says. “We really emphasize that Mary is there with us. Speaking of Our Lady of Guadalupe… I never get tired of telling this story: My oldest (son) is Diego. First-named in honor of Juan Diego. He was born after three miscarriages… and we asked for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and shortly after we saw that heartbeat, we knew he was on the way. His due date was January 12, but we are getting ready to celebrate his birthday, that actually happens on Saturday, the 12th, which is The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

Of course with all of this, Catholics are still in the season of Advent. Fr. Sean says we should always consider Mary’s calling, and not just in the Christmas Season.

If you are on campus and are interested in attending mass, it is scheduled everyday unless otherwise noted. Contact Fr. Sean if you have any questions.