On Friday, November 22, 2013, the Durham Catholic District School Board’s Cross of Faith reached the completion of a 47-day celebration for the end of the Year of Faith as proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI in October 2012.

Over the last few months during this world-wide celebration of Catholic faith, the Cross of Faith was carried by students and staff to all Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Pickering, Uxbridge, Ajax, Whitby, Brock, Scugog and Oshawa.

“Catholic faith is alive and thriving in Durham Region,” said Karen Valentine, Chair of the Board. “To see so many students and staff come together to celebrate the Cross of Faith speaks to the need for faith-based curriculum for families who choose Catholic education for their children. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank all of our families and supporters of Catholic Education in Durham Region.”

On the final day of this journey, the entire Monsignor Paul Dwyer student population lined the sidewalk to celebrate the final procession as the Cross of Faith was carried by students to respectfully hand it over to staff and Trustees at the Board’s Catholic Education Centre in Oshawa.

“As our Year of Faith comes to a close, the Walk of Faith is an amazing reminder to always keep our love for one another, through God, present in every step we take,” said Carina Gabriele, Student Trustee from Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School.

Student Trustee, Ajoy Paul from All Saints Catholic Secondary School said that as a Catholic student in an increasingly secular world, the Walk of Faith strengthened his faith by exploring it with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bob Camozzi, Superintendent of Education and Faith Formation who organized the Walk of Faith in partnership with Dominic Pullano, Faith Animator, thanked all school communities, parishes, Trustees and municipalities for supporting this journey.

“Sharing the Cross of Faith has been a celebration of unity, love and faith between neighbouring schools and in the global church,” Mr. Camozzi said.

Following the procession and a short liturgy, the cross was carried by staff to the Board’s St. Francis of Assisi Chapel for the Year of Faith closing Mass.

Anne O’Brien, Director of Education thanked Mr. Camozzi, Deacon Pullano and staff for supporting this faith-filled experience and bringing the Walk of Faith to life. “Our students are blessed to have Catholic educators and leaders who encourage their faith development through real-life experiences such as this one,” she said.

From the Durham Catholic School Board