On Thursday, May 15, over 425 Brooklyn Prep (BP) alumni gathered at Xavier for the 53rd Annual Brooklyn Prep Alumni Association (BPAA) Reunion Mass and Dinner. Timothy Cardinal Dolan was the main celebrant at mass and was assisted by over a dozen concelebrants including Brooklyn Prep alumni and Jesuits from the New York Province. Among the concelebrants were Fr. Dan Fitzpatrick, S.J. BP ’53, moderator of the BPAA and regent at Xavier from 1961 to 1963, Fr. Lou Garaventa, S.J. BP ’65 a member of the Xavier history department, Fr. Joe Marina S.J., pastor of the parish and former Xavier trustee, and Frs. Jim Keenan, S.J., and Ken Boller, S.J., former Xavier headmasters and presidents. During the mass, the BP alumni present remembered by name all those Brooklyn Prep graduates who died during the past year. In addition, Brooklyn Prep Scholarship winners from Xavier and the other province schools were recognized.

Dr. James Freeley BP ’59 was honored as the BP alumnus of the year. Dr. Freeley is a professor at Long Island University and is deeply involved in social entrepreneurship. Cardinal Dolan was named an honorary Brooklyn Prep alumnus. Introducing Cardinal Dolan, Fr. Fitzpatrick noted that he achieved what every boy from St. Louis hopes for, “becoming a Cardinal!” In his remarks, Cardinal Dolan spoke about the importance of his Catholic high school, St. Louis Academy, which also closed a number of years ago. While St. Louis Academy and Brooklyn Prep may no longer be operating, the lessons they taught continue to be lived by generations of graduates who are serving the church and their communities with distinction.

BPAA President Michael Comerford BP ’72 concluded his term in office at this year’s dinner. Mike is the brother of former Xavier trustee Frank Comerford ’73, who began his high school years at Brooklyn Prep, and Tim Comerford ’84.

After mass, the alumni adjourned to the Xavier gymnasium where they feasted on fine meal late into the evening. A wonderful time was had by all. It was an honor for Xavier to host the Brooklyn Prep alumni who so generously support the work of Xavier and other works of the New York Province.