Local
Archbishop celebrates Founder’s Day with Xaverian Brothers

By
Posted: 12/17/2004

Archbishop Seán P. O’Malley celebrated a special Founder’s Day Mass Dec. 3 for students, faculty and alumni who have been touched by the Xaverian Brothers’ long and distinguished history of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Boston. Dec. 3 is the feast of the Xaverian Brothers patron saint, St. Francis Xavier.

The Mass, celebrated at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, was concelebrated by several former students of Xaverian Brothers schools who have gone on to be ordained to the priesthood.

This Founder’s Day held particular significance for the order since it coincides with the 150th anniversary of their arrival in the United States. The Xaverian Brothers first began teaching in Massachusetts in 1881. Since that time, they have staffed or operated more than a dozen schools for various periods. Today, the order still sponsors four boys high schools in the state: Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, St. John’s Preparatory High School in Danvers and Malden Catholic High School.