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Maris Stella
Statue Rededication, Nov. 19, 2005
The mass and accompanying dedication was well attended. Our Society President, Bruce Caissie, opened the ceremony with the following words: “I am the grandson of Desiré and Anna Caissie. My Grandparents have been members of Saint Joseph’s Church since both families settled in Waltham more than eighty years ago. They came to live the American dream of a better life for themselves and their families. But in their new country they, and others like them, were determined not to forget where they came from.” “The Societé l’Assomption was founded to help people retain their Acadian heritage and to help Acadian families when hardships arose due to sickness and death by providing financial help and insurance for the growing French community in Waltham and New England. Starting in 1904, l’Assomption grew to over 10,000 members by the late 1940s. In celebration of its fiftieth anniversary, the founders decided to place a statue of Maris Stella in front of Saint Joseph’s Church. The Acadian people have always had a strong affection for Saint Marie and they erected it as thanks to her for all the success they were having.” “The year 2004 was a sad time for all members of Saint Joseph’s as their church was closed. The Acadian Cultural Society was asked if they could somehow help preserve some Acadian plaques from the church and the Maris Stella statue. Today we are here to give thanks that we were able to save the plaques and to play a part in arranging the relocation of this statue, which is an important symbol of our Acadian history in Waltham.” “In closing I would like to thank Father Brian Mahoney and Kathleen Heck of the Office of Worship for helping us to save these artifacts. Thanks also to Ken Richardson, the Superintendent of Calvary Cemetery for the great job he and his staff did in moving the statue and for the work they do every day on this holy ground in Waltham. Father Copp, thank you for your kindness in helping the Acadian community through this sad time. We will never forget what you have done for us.” Mass was celebrated by Father Copp, who spent many years ministering to the Waltham Catholics, including many Acadians. He gave a heartfelt tribute to the faith, strength and courage of the Acadians he had known through the years. Following the homily we all proceeded outside to the blessing of the statue. It was a solemn moment as this beautiful statue, now restored, was rededicated. At the conclusion, we sang Ave Maris Stella, our Acadian anthem, with much feeling. We then returned to the chapel to resume the rituals of the mass. It was a fitting tribute to give a new home to this monument of our heritage. |
