By Rene David Basulto - Monsignor Edward Pace HS
DAVIE | The traditional Baccalaureate Mass that kicked off graduation week for Msgr. Edward Pace High School’s Class of 2017 featured some very special participants: two alumni who have discerned a calling to priesthood.
Held at St. Bonaventure Church in Davie May 21, the Mass was celebrated by Pace's president, Father Paul Vuturo, along with Class of 2006 alumnus Father Bryan Garcia, now parochial vicar at St. Andrew in Coral Springs. Deacon Matthew Gomez, a Class of 2009 graduate who will be ordained a priest next year, assisted at the celebration, joined by his siblings, Alex Gomez (Class of 2011) and Mark Gomez (Class of 2013), who participated as altar servers.
Deacon Gomez delivered the homily and spoke to the students about the many changes they experienced while attending Pace. He reflected on his Pace experience and how it played a role in his path to ministry.
Following the homily, Father Vuturo and Principal Ana Garcia presented each senior with a baccalaureate medal, and class members presented offertory gifts, including items to symbolize their time spent at Pace.
Also honored at the Mass was Dean of Students Samuel Lilly, a Class of 1976 graduate who will be retiring after 35 years at Pace.
The seniors then watched a photo slideshow reminiscing on their years at Pace. Senior class president Jaesha Morley addressed the Class of 2017 and acknowledged the faculty, staff, administration, and Pace family for their constant support throughout their high school journey.