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Mary: Patron of Catholic Central High School
Mary became the patron of Catholic Central High School in September 1950. In the 1960’s, an incredible mosaic was installed over the main entrance doors. It was created and installed by Attillio Giovanni Batista Natale Andrigo, an Italian immigrant. Mr. Andrigo’s daughter, Diane (aged 14), was asked to draw a picture of the Madonna. This picture drawn by Diane was sent to Japan and a few months later a 2-foot rolled up picture of the design arrived. The mosaic consisted of 75,000 ceramic tiles imported from Japan. It took two years for the tiles to arrive, and two weeks to install.
For more than 40 years, our Madonna watched over Crusaders as they entered the school through the “Madonna Doors”. In 1997 major renovations were underway to update and add more space to the now 47 year-old school. Originally the Madonna was not included in the newly designed addition. The school community voiced concern about the importance of the Madonna to Catholic Central and work began to save this piece of art. It is now a beautiful reflection of our devotion to Mary on the wall of our chapel. In July 2005, CCH was rededicated to Mary in a moving prayer service in Lourdes, France as part of a Catholic Central Music tour to France and Spain.
Mary was called by God to become the Mother of Jesus. Her brave 'yes' to God has become our inspiration to serve. Catholic Central has a long history of service to others and of devotion to Mary our patron. We pray that our Loving God will be with us as we continue to answer the call of Mary to serve, to devote ourselves to our families and to put God at the centre of our lives in times of joy and of sorrow. Let us remember Mary – for her gentleness, her quiet strength, her wisdom, her love – and pray that she will lead us, guide us and help us to serve as she served.