Mass of the Holy Spirit Kicks Off Academic Year

On Tuesday, the Rockhurst University campus community came together for a Jesuit tradition — the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

The Mass is celebrated at Jesuit institutions throughout the world as a chance to pause during a busy time, recommit as an institution to the core values of the Society of Jesus, and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“As a Jesuit Catholic university, we begin not simply by asking what we will accomplish this year, but by asking a deeper question: what kind of people are we becoming? And perhaps even more importantly, for whom are we becoming those people?” said Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., University president.

The Rev. Jason LaLonde, S.J., visiting assistant professor of theology and religious studies and University chaplain, said in his homily this tradition is rooted in the tradition of Medieval European universities, who began their year with a Mass in honor of their local patron saint. The Jesuits, he said, decided instead to celebrate the Holy Spirit in their institutions at the beginning of the year, something that would be universal throughout their network. Fr. LaLonde said the Holy Spirit is both a teacher and an advocate, offering strength, wisdom and resolve in the face of obstacles. He encouraged those gathered to grow closer to and ask the Spirit for those gifts for the benefit of themselves and the greater community. Cassady implored guidance for students, faculty, staff and the institution itself as the year begins.

“For all of us, the Jesuit tradition offers a distinctive invitation to find God in all things. We seek God in the classroom, in the laboratory, in residence halls, in offices, in service to our neighbors, in conversations with those who see the world differently, and in quiet moments when we allow ourselves to listen,” she said. “Today, we entrust this academic year to the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit give us wisdom when the path is uncertain, courage when the work is difficult, compassion when others are hurting, and gratitude for the extraordinary gift of being part of this community.”