Every year on Jan. 22, schools, families, and communities all over the world unite together to honor the legacy of one of the most impactful figures of the Catholic Church. Chaminade Day represents a special moment to pause and reflect on the life of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade.
Chaminade’s understanding and vision of key values like faith, learning, and service continues to inspire generations to come, proving that his influence is far removed from the past and will be forever present in the future.
At Archbishop Riordan High School, this tradition goes further than simply remembering the life of Chaminade himself. It is a special time where the community comes together to reaffirm the Marianist values that still continue to shape our students, faculty and alumni.
William Joseph Chaminade was a visionary priest who survived the persecution of the French Revolution. He dedicated his life to fostering and encouraging faith through education.
In 1817 he founded the Society of Mary, also known as the Marinists. In this he aimed to spread the word of God, serve the poor, and strengthen the Catholic Church as a whole throughout the world.
His undeniable dedication leaves a mark that transcends to the present in the institutions that carry his name and represent his values, including Riordan. The five Marianist values are encouraged and lived out in the curriculum and school community.
This year’s annual Chaminade Day Mass was a true testament to both tradition and progression. With the Mass being celebrated by former principal Father Tim Kenney, the liturgy brought the school together in solemn unity.
Sarah Noguera ’27 is the first female alter server at Riordan.
In addition, Sarah Noguera ’27 made history as Riordan’s first female altar server. This moment spoke volumes to the progress and dedication to Riordan’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and leadership since becoming a co-ed institution.
Noguera commented, “I have never been more proud to serve the Lord while also representing my school. I was definitely overwhelmed by the amount of recognition I received from my teachers and peers.”
This Mass also served as an event to honor those who embody the Marianist spirit. The highly prestigious Chaminade Award was presented to Tony Sanchez Corea III ’80, recognizing his instrumental role in the campus renovations that have transformed the school’s environment— a true example of the Marianist values.
Corea said, “It is inspirational in that all of the previous individuals that have received this award in the past are true leaders to this school and I feel incredibly honored to be included. To continue my legacy here at Riordan, I hope to help the students grow together as a unit and help to grow the school and its facilities and make all aspects a better place for learning”
Chaminade once said, “New times call for new methods,” according to Marianist.com. As Riordan celebrated his life and mission at this Mass, the traditions remained prevalent, with their meaning changing and evolving with each generation that flows throughout school.
Chaminade Day will forever resemble a meaningful and annual reminder to embrace and continue the legacy of William Joseph Chaminade. It represents a call to action to make his mission personal to embody his teachings through personal journeys and to live with a sense of purpose and to serve others with the same commitment and strength he embodies to this day.
