Tradition continues

The All Saints Day tradition remains strong at St. Ambrose School in Latham, according to Sister Mary Presentation McGraw, PBVM, principal.

Whereas only those in grade 7 prepared reports and donned saintly costumes back in the late '50s and early '60s, students in grades K-8 are now actively involved in the celebration.

For the past several years, faculty and staff have strongly encouraged the children to come to school decked out as their favorite saints so that they might participate in a "Parade of Saints." Student representatives also visit the Little Sisters of the Poor at the nearby Our Lady of Hope residence to show off their costumes.

"You tend to see a lot of angels in the younger grades," muses Sister Mary Presentation. Older students like to dress up as monks, priests, bishops and nuns.

In addition to dressing up, the students are assigned to write reports about their favorite saints. The compositions are subsequently graded as part of the children's religion course. (AH)

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