The Closing of a Chapter

 
And so a school has moved out of its premises for the much-delayed PRIME. It was the closing of a chapter for the grand old dame, one could say, and about time, for the 24-year-old building has been ageing and protesting its continued use. A Mass was celebrated to mark the occasion, something truly appropriate for a mission school that, sadly, has been gradually forsaking some of its Catholic identity in recent years. (Think the absence of opening prayers at staff meetings and the Sec 4 graduation dinner held on a Sunday.)

Some wondered why there was no blessing during the Mass for the many teachers leaving the school. That would have been a magnanimous gesture indeed, but I suspect somewhat more magnanimous than people in authority are capable of, so of course I never expected anything like it to happen. Yet isn't it sad that an organization should fail to express any acknowledgment, to say nothing of gratitude, for the many years of contributions that its staff have put in, before they leave? We talk a lot about building a gracious society, and even make people pledge to do so, but how well will we succeed if those in positions of leadership don't set an example?

C'est la vie. There is no point fretting over such matters. One should only move on and be happy, after shaking off the dust on one's feet.