Kicking off Iona’s Heritage Week this year was the opening Liturgy in Arrigoni Center. The school-wide liturgy focused on the Christian Brothers as they renewed their vows.

Director of Campus Ministries Dr. Carl Procario-foley said, “I always find this very humbling because the Brothers promise their service to the community in obedience and chastity.”

Following the Christian Brothers tradition was Monday’s Keynote Panel. At 11:00 a.m. in Romita Auditorium, Br. Stembridge led a discussion on the Christian Brothers’ work in the developing world in this event entitled Brother Without Borders. During activity hour on Tuesday, Tara Knights Society helped support the Brothers’ mission abroad through their Hands Around Iona event located at Mazzella Field. This event raises awareness and money for their Sierra Leone water-supply project.

The education of the Christian Brothers abroad will continue during activity hour on April 19. Several Iona clubs and organizations came together for Students Celebrate Brothers Without Borders. Taking place in the LaPenta Parking Lot, students have the opportunity to learn about the Brothers in Latin America, Africa and South Asia while sampling food from these countries.

While all of these events focus on the mission of the Christian Brothers throughout the world, Heritage Week also focuses on Edmund Rice. The Center for Campus Ministries and Office of Mission Integration sponsored Friends of Edmund on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Arrigoni Center.

This Friends of Edmund’s topic is Beyond Borders: In the Footsteps of Edmund. “Students from the NOLA, Bolivia, Zambia and Nazareth Farm mission teams will reflect on their experiences in the context of prayer and reflection on the life of Edmund Rice,” said Procario-Foley.

In the weeks prior to Heritage Week, students were asked to help paint the replica Icon of the Blessed Edmund Rice. This hand-painted replica was presented at a dedication by the Edmund Rice Society in Vitanza Commons.

Bringing the week to a close, Heritage Fest is taking place on Saturday, April 28. This year Heritage Fest is coming together with Spring Weekend to present Gael Jam. Jeanne McDermott of the Center of Campus Ministries said, “Heritage Fest is a concert that celebrates our Christian Brother foundation and heritage through contemporary music.”

The featured band this year is Reilly, featuring dueling violins and an Irish sound. Iona alumna Katie Hoxie will also be performing songs from her recently released EP as well. The Heritage Fest portion of Gael Jam will take place from 1-3 p.m.