Opening Liturgy 2026

The Padua Academy community gathered at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church to officially begin the new school year with our Opening Liturgy, led by Fr. Vincent Kumar, OSFS. The celebration brought students, faculty, staff, and members of the Padua community together in prayer as we begin another year of learning, growth, faith, and sisterhood.

This year’s diocesan theme, “Lord, Help Me to See,” served as an important focus of the Liturgy. In his homily, Fr. Kumar encouraged our students to look beyond what is immediately in front of them and challenged them to see God, see others, and see themselves with greater faith and understanding.

As we begin a new chapter at Padua, the community also gathered in prayer over our new President, Dr. Patricia Scott. Students, faculty, and staff extended their hands in prayer, asking God to guide and bless Dr. Scott as she begins her leadership at Padua Academy. Following the prayer, the community presented Dr. Scott with a special gift as a warm welcome to the Padua family.

The celebration also featured a beautiful Salesian Reflection from Eliana Lawrence ’27, who spoke about finding joy. Her reflection encouraged the community to recognize the many sources of joy in our everyday lives and to carry that joy with us throughout the school year. Read an abbreviated version of her reflection HERE.

Music was an important part of the celebration, with Padua’s Music Ministry leading the community in song and prayer. We are grateful to Fr. Kumar, concelebrant Fr. Mulligan, our Music Ministry, Banner Color Guard, and the many students who participated in the Liturgy and helped make the morning so meaningful. As always, we thank our Campus Minister Karen Duppel.

Our Banner Color Guard proudly represented each class as they entered the celebration: green = Freshmen, blue = Sophomores, red = Juniors, and gold = Seniors.

The Opening Liturgy was a beautiful reminder that we begin this school year not only as individuals, but as one Padua community. As we move through the year, may we continue to see more deeply, love more fully, and live our faith boldly, guided by our Salesian spirit and the call to recognize God in ourselves and in one another.