Addressing a throng of young students at Mayfield Junior School, Sister of the Holy Child Jesus Frances White told them that the birthday they were celebrating that day was far from ordinary --- not that 200th birthday observances are ever routine.

In this case, however, the honoree was one with whom the students should be well acquainted: Venerable Cornelia Connelly, foundress of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, the religious order which founded Mayfield Junior School and Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, and numerous other ministries around the world.

Thus, Sister White reminded the children, they were participating in a worldwide celebration for a woman with a particular message for young people.

"Cornelia," she said, "knew the secret that turning to God with courage and with confidence puts a little space of peace in your heart, and in that space cheerfulness can grow."

The special liturgy and birthday celebration, with Passionist Father Alan Philip presiding, included students, faculty and staff joining in a prayer written especially for this day and then lighting 200 imaginary candles as an official birthday wish.

Said headmaster Joe Gill: "This year's ongoing celebration of the birth of our Foundress has been an opportunity for our students and community to connect with the legacy of our school. I feel that we now more clearly understand that the work we do here each day is part of something greater than our individual classroom or lesson."

Born in Philadelphia, on Jan. 15, 1809, Cornelia Connelly was a convert to Catholicism. After founding her religious congregation in 1846, she encouraged her sisters to "meet the wants of the age," while serving with joy, love and compassion. She died in 1889.

At Mayfield Senior School, San Gabriel Region Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala reflected in his homily on the power of Cornelia Connelly's faith - a faith that remains the driving force behind all Holy Child ministries around the globe, and empowers all who are touched by the work of the Society today.

Bishop Zavala urged the community to use the occasion not only to honor Connelly's enduring legacy, but also to reflect on the life she lived, one characterized by the Society's motto of "Actions, not Words." The bishop exhorted students to use the gift of their faith to be agents of change in the world.

At the heart of the Mayfield Senior School celebration is a community commitment to complete "200 Actions" as a tribute to Cornelia Connelly and her "Actions not Words" motto. Focused on social justice, service and outreach, the actions are conscious efforts to care for God's creation and to make a difference in the lives of others.

"Cornelia emphasized joy and reverence in her educational philosophy," noted Rita McBride, Head of School. "Today's liturgy and birthday party was a beautiful example of her legacy --- a legacy that is alive and well in the faith and joyful spirits of our students."

The year-long local celebration activities culminated Jan. 24 with a morning of reflection, "The Spirituality of Cornelia Connelly," led by Holy Child Sister Barbara Mullen and Jesuit Father Rob Scholla, and attended by many Mayfield community members.

Currently, nearly 400 Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus serve on four continents.