Community Gathers at Mass of the Holy Spirit 

On September 13, Xavier celebrated its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit—a Jesuit educational tradition that dates back to 1548.

At the beginning of each academic year, Xavier and other Jesuit high schools and universities gather their communities to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and inspiration.

“God is with us now, and I know with certainty that God will be with us throughout the school year. What a great thing that is,” President Jack Raslowsky P’16 said as he welcomed more than 1,200 students, faculty, and alumni to Mass. “What a great thing it is for us to celebrate and pray God’s continued blessings upon each of us and this community.”

Xavier’s 31st President, Ken Boller, S.J., the new pastor of the Church of St. Francis Xavier, served as principal concelebrant and homilist. “The Mass of the Holy Spirit at Jesuit schools throughout the world is part of a great tradition—a great way to begin the school year. This tradition of the Holy Spirit which is so ancient and revered in Jesuit schools is also new, because you are new,” he said. “What has God in store for you this year? … We pray that God’s spirit will guide you today—will guide you this year—that you will open yourselves to the spirit and let the light of God’s spirit set your course. And courageously, you will follow it.”

After Fr. Boller’s homily, two seniors were commissioned to lead Xavier students this year. Israel Pierre ’20 will serve as Student Leadership Council president, and Ted Badea ’20 will serve as Cadet Colonel.

To view images from the Mass of the Holy Spirit, click here. To view a video of the Mass, click here.