Twin celebration at Stella Maris International School

Aug 30, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Stella Maris International School in Damansara has increasingly embraced its Catholic ethos with greater visibility. Since last year, daily Masses have been integrated into the school timetable, with the school’s chaplain, Fr Alvin Ho SJ, engaging students in interactive homilies through questions and answers. The Catholic Student Societies (CSS) of both the primary and secondary levels have also become a vibrant presence, showcasing their Christian activities and playing an evangelical role within the school community.

This year, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 marked a significant celebration for the school, which also commemorated the anniversary of its inauguration in 2017. The event was meticulously stage-managed by the Catholic students, with choreography by the chaplain and Catholic teachers in close collaboration.

Due to the large turnout, including students, teachers, staff, Board members, Council members, and well-wishers, the solemnity Mass was celebrated at the school’s sports centre. The Mass was animated by both primary and secondary students, who did the readings, intercessory prayers, offertory, and altar serving. The choir, accompanied by a student violinist and pianist, performed an age-old Latin hymn, the Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum, popular for Marian feasts.

Fr Alvin, who celebrated the Mass, delivered a homily that highlighted Mary as the first and faithful disciple of Christ. He explained Mary’s Assumption by referencing the teachings of early Church doctors and shared archaeological evidence of Mary’s empty tomb. Fr Alvin concluded his homily with a prayer, asking the Lord to help the students recognise that, like Mary, they are “amazingly blessed in the ordinariness of life.”

At the end of the Mass, Year 11 Bible Knowledge students unveiled a table-sized “replica” of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, which they had painted themselves as a surprise gift to the school. The students explained that their painting acknowledged the profound connection between Mary’s immaculate nature and her participation in Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice. They emphasised that from the Last Supper to the Resurrection, like the Incarnation, heaven and earth are reconciled.

In celebration of the day, all students, teachers, and staff were treated to a Kit-Kat chocolate bar, much to their delight. Maintenance workers and cleaners were also appreciated with a packed lunch, sponsored by a generous well-wisher.

The celebration was attended by the principals of both the primary and secondary schools, the school’s Campus Director, the Chairman of the Council of Yayasan Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon (YTDV), Dato’ Richard Robless, along with council members and the school’s board of governors.

As the patroness of Stella Maris, meaning “Star of the Sea” in Latin, Mary is revered as the guiding star that illuminates inner darkness and leads souls to Christ. Each year, Stella Maris International School acknowledges the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as its own Feast Day, wishing every student, teacher, and staff member a blessed celebration.