The Mercy Day Mass at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock is held each year to mark the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy and the founding of the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland in 1827.
This year the event had extra meaning as the school commissioned its new principal, honored its chaplain for 40 years of service in the Diocese of Little Rock and dedicated its remodeled gymnasium and new fitness center.
On Sept. 24, the Mass included the installation of Sister Claudia Ward, RSM, as the new principal. Sister Jane Mary Hotstream, RSM, president of the St. Louis Regional Community, led the commissioning ceremony.
The occasion also marked the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Msgr. Lawrence Frederick. He joined the staff at Mount St. Mary Academy in 1992 and is presently the school’s chaplain and physics teacher.
The newly remodeled McAuley Center Gymnasium was completed this spring. The renovation included the construction of the Sister Philippa Manning, RSM, Fitness Center, and the Lucille Metrailer Kelly ’39 Heritage Hall. The hall features a school time line and memorabilia, as well as a photo retrospective on Kelly’s years at MSM.
Sister Philippa was a Latin teacher at the school for 33 years, and remained an avid Belles sports fan until her death at age 97. Kelly graduated from “the Mount” in 1939. She and her husband Bill had 14 children; her seven daughters attended the school, and many of her grandchildren have followed in their footsteps.
The celebration concluded with the unveiling of “Coach Griffin Court,” named in honor of Kathy Griffin, who retired last spring after serving as head basketball coach for 21 years. A reception and tours of the McAuley Center followed the Mass.
Girls’ academy celebrates Mercy Day in a big way
