Luminaries is known by many students and parents as one of the great Saint Paul’s traditions. This year, the event occurred on December 1, 2022 and started around 6:00 p.m.

Luminaries starts with driving your car under the Saint Paul’s arch while being able to see bagged candles all over campus before the Luminaries theme word, which is different each year, is revealed by candlelit bags designed to spell the word in the bleachers of Hunter Stadium.

Each bag contains a small, lit candle and an individualized prayer written on the bottom of each bag by nearly every student at Saint Paul’s.

The theme word for this year’s celebration was “CARPE.” This a Latin word for seize and is used with the Latin word diem, which means day. “Carpe diem,” or “seize the day” reminds us to live in the present day. In other words, we can focus on the now rather than worrying about the future or the past. We can cherish each moment as we currently live it.

“CARPE” is a great message for parents and students on how we can better our lives and grow closer to God each day.

The explanation of the word and its profound meaning on our lives is followed up by adoration in the Saint Paul’s chapel and then refreshments in the cafeteria.

It is highly recommended that students and parents in the Saint Paul’s community attend the special event at least once. In fact, many in attendance are annual celebrators of this unique event on campus.