University celebrates McAuley Day today, Oct. 20

Building on suggestions from faculty and students, Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong began developing the annual tradition of McAuley Day in 2019 to provide an opportunity for members of the University community to celebrate their ongoing commitment to one another, and to highlight those qualities that set Salve apart from other institutions. The concept began as “Salve Surprise Day” in the fall of 2020, and the idea continued to evolve into the now officially named “McAuley Day.”

“McAuley Day invokes the spirit of Catherine McAuley, who recognized both the value of self-care and the strength of community in carrying out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy,” wrote Armstrong in a message to the University community delivered earlier this week. “Attending to the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff should always be our primary focus, and the supportive nature of Salve’s community is our most cherished resource. It is in this spirit that I invite you to take a break from your busy routines to come together as a community to celebrate McAuley Day.”

Today, Wednesday, Oct. 20, has been designated as McAuley Day 2021.

The celebration is signaled on campus by the ringing of the chapel bells 74 times, one ring for each year since Salve Regina first opened its gates to students in 1947. The bells will mark the beginning of a time for students, faculty and staff to gather together at the statue of Catherine McAuley to honor the strength and resilience of those within the Salve community. The community will then take a pause in the normal work day to enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch, food trucks and music.

Dr. Paula Martasian will also lead an outdoor meditation session at 3:00 p.m. on the oceanside lawn of McAuley Hall. The session will be moved inside the O’Hare Academic Building if weather is inclement.

While the University will remain open for business, classes will be canceled through 6 p.m. once the bells ring. Students living off campus will be notified via social media and other methods. It is hoped that all Salve Regina students, faculty and staff will take the opportunity to participate in the activities associated with the day and pick up a mercy commemorative button to show their Salve Regina spirit.

Students who have clinicals and student teaching assignments should plan to honor those commitments, but they are asked to please join in the McAuley Day activities as soon as possible.

Please note that McAuley Day does not impact the testing COVID-19 testing schedule. COVID-19 testing will still take place at regularly scheduled times.

A schedule is below:

• In the morning: the Bell Ring will signify the start to McAuley Day. Classes from that point forward are cancelled.
• Once everyone hears the bells, Salve Regina staff, faculty and students will gather together for blessing at the Catherine McAuley statue near Our Lady of Mercy Chapel.
• Noon to 2:00 p.m. McGrath Clambakes BBQ Buffet Luncheon on Gerety Hall Lawn
• 1 – 2:30 p.m. Food Truck Dessert Options: Whoopie Pies and Sarcastic Sweets
• 3 p.m. Outdoor Meditation Session: McAuley Lawn
• 2:30 – 4 p.m. Food Truck Dessert Options: Newport Creamery and Poppy’s Waffles
• 6 p.m. Classes resume