Students, faculty, staff and administrators gathered today at St. Aedan鈥檚: The 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University Church to worship together at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which traditionally marks the beginning of the academic year. The Mass involved members of the campus community standing to affirm their commitment to love, generosity and social justice.
Celebrant Rev. Michael L. Braden, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry at 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University, asked for the Lord鈥檚 blessing for the year, saying, 鈥淲e pray today that our faith will teach us to be 鈥榤en and women for others.鈥欌
Director of Campus Ministry Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., echoed these sentiments during his homily, stating, 鈥淭here鈥檚 so much to be thankful for today. As we begin this new academic year, we invite our University family and friends to call out to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the year to come.鈥
During the Mass, Associate Professor of Political Science Anna Brown, Ph.D., alumna Carmel Galasso 鈥79 and student Melissa-Ann Emmanuel 鈥16 presented their reflections on the gospel, often quoting Pope Francis and paying special attention to the Jesuit principles of Magis and cura personalis.
鈥淗ere at 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚, a diverse community enriches us,鈥 said Dr. Brown. 鈥淲e have the opportunity to live as 鈥榤en and women for others鈥 in a diverse environment.鈥
Afterward, University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., delivered the Invitation to Rededication, where he asked members of student clubs and organizations, student-athletes, faculty, administration and staff to stand and pledge their commitment to service and compassion.
鈥淲e ask you, O God, to guide the work of 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University in the months ahead,鈥 he said. 鈥淪end your Spirit upon us as you send us forth this year. Fill us with your wisdom and compassion. Grant that we may devote ourselves to our studies, our teaching and our service 鈥 and share what we have learned from you and from one another.鈥
For Dayana Arrufat Rondon 鈥15, it was her first time attending Mass at 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚. 鈥淚 wanted to see how it was,鈥 she said. 鈥淲ith the music and environment, it was interesting and different than anything back home.鈥
Meredith Przybocki 鈥17 was surprised at how many people had come together for this very special event. 鈥淚t gives me an experience of seeing all different cultures,鈥 she said.
Following the Mass, a barbecue was held in Panepinto Plaza, where the campus community continued the celebration.
