Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.
Luke 1:38
For more pictures, please click here.
A Blessed Beginning: Celebrating the Birth of Mary
Faith, Family, and Hope at the Heart of Our Community
7 September 2026
A spirit of faith and community filled the Dominican International School gymnasium on September 7, 2026, as students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in anticipation of the feast day observed by the Catholic Church every September 8. The celebration was led by Fr. Tomasz Zalewski, OP, School Chaplain, who guided the community in prayer and reflection. For DIS, a community made up of people from different backgrounds and faith traditions, the gathering was a meaningful opportunity to come together, learn from a significant Catholic tradition, and reflect on values that speak to all of us—faith, humility, courage, love, and service.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated every September 8, commemorates the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the Catholic tradition, this feast is a joyful occasion that looks to Mary's life and her important role in God's plan. Her story is one of trust, courage, and a willingness to respond to God's call even when the path ahead was not completely clear.
One of the most familiar moments in Mary's story is her response to the angel at the Annunciation. Her words, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), express a deep trust in God and a willingness to embrace a greater purpose.
For a diverse school community like DIS, Mary's example can also invite a broader reflection. Her story reminds us of the value of saying yes to what is good, of having courage when facing the unknown, and of being willing to use our gifts in service of others. These are values that can encourage us in our classrooms, our homes, and our everyday interactions with one another.
The presence of parents alongside students, faculty, and staff made the occasion even more meaningful. It reflected the importance of family and community in shaping young people—not only academically, but also in character and values. Gatherings such as this provide an opportunity for the DIS community to pause from its busy school life and come together in a spirit of reflection and gratitude.
As we remember the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may her example continue to remind us of the importance of faith, compassion, courage, and service. May we carry these values with us as we continue to learn, grow, and care for one another as a community.
