St. Veronica Catholic School hosts blessing and dedication ceremony

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

The Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) community gathered to celebrate the official blessing and dedication of St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School in Milton.

The ceremony featured a blessing of the water rite and blessings at the school site and classroom crosses. The Most Reverend Wayne Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, officiated these sacred rites, assisted by Lawrence Parent, Pastor at St. Benedict Parish in Milton.

“Today marks an important milestone in the history and evolution of this dynamic school community in Milton…A special thank you must be extended to our parent community for their collaboration and support as we established St. Veronica into the outstanding school community that it is today,” said Marvin Duarte, Chair of the Board.

“Together, we will continue to provide our students with the gift of Catholic education, rooted in the Gospel values of Jesus Christ. Congratulations to each of you, and best wishes as you continue to grow as a community of learners pursuing excellence in Catholic education!”

Principal Angie Barden highlighted the importance of the school’s patron saint in her remarks. “Inspired by the tender and courageous example of our Patron Saint, St. Veronica reminds us that even the smallest acts of love can create ripples that transform the world.”

“With her simple yet profound gesture of wiping the face of Jesus, she showed us the power of kindness, compassion, and courage; values at the very core of our faith and of our school. As we reflect on her legacy, we pledge to name the school a sanctuary of warmth, belonging; a radiant light of Christ. This school will be a place where every child feels safe, valued, and cherished. A community where love, kindness, and respect guide every action…Thank you for being here to celebrate this special day with us in recognition of this new journey. And thank you to this community for being a reflection of St. Veronica’s values each and every day,” she said.

The event featured several highlights, including musical performances by St. Veronica students and a warm welcome from Emma Murphy, Vice-Chair of the Board and Milton Trustee for Wards 2 & 3. Kaiden Caluag, a student at St. Veronica CES, served as Master of Ceremonies.

Greetings were shared by Marvin Duarte, Chair of the Board; John Klein, Director of Education; and Principal Angie Barden. Special guests included parents from the St. Veronica community, the Knights of Columbus from the Bishop Reding Assembly, HCDSB Trustees, Union Presidents, HCDSB’s senior leadership team, school administrators, and members of the Milton community.

The event also welcomed Zee Hamid, a Member of the Provincial Parliament; Gordon Krantz, the Mayor of Milton; and Adil Khalqi, the Milton Town Councillor for Ward 3, who joined the celebration to mark this important milestone.

The dedication ceremony celebrated the establishment of St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School and the values of kindness, compassion, and faith that it embodies.