Golden Anniversary Celebration

11/10/2009

On Sunday, November 8, the CBA community gathered to celebrate its 50th anniversary with Bishop John M. Smith of the Diocese of Trenton presiding. Father Joseph J. Farrell, CBA '65,  Pastor of Assumption BVM Parish, New Egypt,was the homilist.

Brother President Frank Byrne, FSC '75 welcomed over 800 friends of the Academy assembled in the Varsity Gym in his Call to Worship.

In his homily, Father Farrell spoke of his experiences as a student at CBA in the early days of its founding and, using the name of the school, Christian Brothers Academy, challenged the community to remain committed to the ideals which the name represents:  to be an Academy in search off the truth, to continue to form the sense of brotherhood within the community, and to do all while remaining faithful to the Christian mission.

In honor of his visit, Bishop Smith was presented with a portrait of St. John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the De Salle Christian Brothers.  Bishop Smith reflected on his own experiences as a "Brothers Boy" as he is a graduate of St. John's Parish School in Orange, then staffed in grades 5 - 8 by the Christian Brothers.

Bishop Smith was assisted by long-time CBA Chaplain Father John T. Folchetti, Pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in Lincroft.  CBA faculty member Joseph J. Prioli '86, was Deacon for the Mass.

A breakfast reception followed in the McKay Gym.