On October 2, 2025, St. Francis Xavier University and the Sisters of St. Martha came together to celebrate 125 years of shared history and partnership with a special tree dedication ceremony.
Participating in the tree dedication are, l-r, Sisters of St. Martha Congregation Leader Sister Brendalee Boisvert, student leader Naima Mohammed, StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin, and Bishop of Antigonish, Most Rev. Wayne Kirkpatrick.
The events began at Bethany, the historic home of the Marthas, where Sister Brendalee Boisvert, Congregation Leader of the Sisters of St. Martha, blessed a young red oak tree. Together with Bishop of Antigonish, Most Rev. Wayne Kirkpatrick and StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin, Sister Brendalee dedicated the tree by placing soil on its roots a gesture symbolizing growth, renewal, and the enduring connection between the Marthas and the university community.
The celebration continued on the StFX campus at the Warren Gardens, where a second red oak "sister" tree was planted. Sister Brendalee, Bishop Kirkpatrick, Dr. Hakin, and student leader Naima Mohammed each took part in the dedication, placing soil on the tree in a collective act of commitment to the future. The ceremony was opened with a traditional smudging offered by Cynthia Sewell, StFX Indigenous Student Advisor, grounding the gathering in respect and reflection.
In his remarks, Dr. Hakin expressed gratitude for the Sisters' remarkable legacy, noting that their contributions extend far beyond campus to the lives of generations of students, families, and the Antigonish community. "The Marthas' example of faith, service, and hospitality continues to shape the StFX spirit today," he said.
The tree dedication marked both a celebration of the past and a living sign of the future. As the trees grow, they will stand as lasting reminders of the Marthas' 125 years of service to StFX and the broader community.