The Basilica School of St. Mary has a permanent exhibit celebrating the history of Catholic education. “Christ Yesterday & Today: A History of Catholic Education,” is unique to the diocese.
Located along the St. Margaret of Scotland hallway, outside the school’s new St. James Library Media Center, the display consists of floor-to-ceiling murals with overlaying panels. Curated and designed by Virginia Nyce, archival manager, the exhibit was produced by Adler Display, the same museum design firm behind the basilica museum.
The exhibit begins with Christ, highlighting his life and teachings that Catholic educators seek to serve, model and share. It ends with the words from the Letter to the Hebrews, reminding us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
“What the basilica school does today continues the mission begun by the 12 apostles 2,000 years ago,” said Father Edward C. Hathaway, rector. “Catholic schools answer Christ’s final command to ‘Go (…), make disciples of all nations (…) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you’ ” (Mt 28:19-20).
The display highlights important figures such as St. Benedict, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Servant of God Mother Mary Lange and narrates major events in Catholic educational history such as the Plenary Councils of Baltimore, the creation of new religious teaching orders and the publication of “Gravissimum Educationis,” (On Catholic Education) by the Second Vatican Council.
Interwoven throughout is the story of the basilica school. Students, teachers, parents and staff members can explore the history of the school alongside the broader mission of Catholic education, learning how each of us participates in Christ’s call to teach as he taught.
The school will be open Jan. 25, after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., for all to come and see the exhibit Christ Yesterday & Today: A History of Catholic Education.
