Bishop Shanahan celebrates 60 years

DOWNINGTOWN » The Opening Mass of Bishop Shanahan High School, celebrated by the Most Rev. Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, was held on Friday, marking the beginning of the new school year as well as the 60th anniversary of the school.

The administration, faculty, staff, guests, and entire student body were in attendance for the celebration that honored the Catholic school of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Many special guests were invited to this mass, including the Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for Catholic Education Christopher Mominey; the Superintendent of Secondary Schools Sister Maureen Lawrence McDermott, IHM, PhD; Thomas and Dolores Mullin, founders of The Nick Smiles on the Fine Arts Foundation; and the Rev. Mark Cavara, concelebrant and Shanahan class of 2005 alumnus.

Through the generosity of The Nick Smiles on the Fine Arts Foundation, Bishop Shanahan High School students enjoyed a new, state-of-the art audio system at this Mass. This asset was made possible through the support of many from Nick Smiles and BSHS, but school officials said it was most especially by Tom and Dee Mullin, parents of Nick Mullin, a member of the Shanahan class of 2008. During his junior year at Shanahan, Nick was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Despite living with the cancer for several years, he had an extremely positive attitude. His life inspired many in the Shanahan and Chester County communities, and he continues to be a beloved alumnus. His life and legacy were remembered at this Mass through the dedication of a special bronze plaque that was blessed by Bishop Fitzgerald.

In his homily, Bishop Fitzgerald remarked that “today we gather together to celebrate 60 years of Bishop Shanahan High School, to celebrate the beginning of the new (school) year, and any celebration is full of hope, full of joy.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bishop Shanahan High School celebrated its 60th anniversary Friday with a Mass with the Rev. Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald. Pictured, from left, are: Sister Regina Plunkett, IHM ‘64; Mrs. Dolores Mullin, Parent ‘08; Mr. Thomas Mullin, Parent ‘08; The...

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bishop Shanahan High School celebrated its 60th anniversary with a Mass with the Rev. Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald on Friday. It also honored an alumnus who inspired his classmates with his positive attitude after he was diagnosed with cancer during...