Mass of the Holy Spirit Continues Tradition

On September 5 in O’Neill Library Plaza, hundreds of students, faculty, and members of the Boston College community attended the Mass of the Holy Spirit, an annual tradition at BC with a long history at numerous Catholic schools. First celebrated in 1548, the Mass of the Holy Spirit has been a way for the Church to give thanks to God for the gifts He has given, and to ask the Holy Spirit to bless the upcoming year. 

Drawing its name and inspiration from the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Blessed Mother and Apostles during Pentecost; the Mass allows the students to connect with the broader Boston College community and numerous other the Catholic high schools and universities worldwide who include the Mass within their liturgical calendar.

Fr. William Leahy, S.J., President of Boston College, celebrated Mass with Fr. Jack Butler, S.J., as concelebrant, and with Fr. Matthew Monnig, S.J., as homilist. The Gospel reading came from John 20:19-23, in which Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples in hiding, “breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John 20:22). 

Drawing inspiration from the Gospel, Fr. Monnig asked the congregation to similarly go forth into the new school year and undertake their endeavors for the greater glory of God. “Judge your actions by the fruit they produce,” he advised. And that, by living a life according the Jesuit ideal of “Ad majorem Dei gloriam,” which translates as “for the greater glory of God,” students can achieve academic, personal, and spiritual success.

For BC students of all ages, the beginning of a new school year can be a chaotic process. Whether it’s moving into a new dorm, settling into a new set of classes, or dealing with homesickness, there is no shortage of challenges for students at the start of an academic year. The Mass of the Holy Spirit provides a unique chance for students to not only reflect in the midst of their busy life, but also to come together as a part of the larger school community and to give thanksgiving to God and ask for His blessings for the new school year.

Campus Ministry produced a video titled “Sights and Sounds: Mass of the Holy Spirit 2019” and posted it on their Youtube page. It contains images and video of the Mass, and a portion of Fr. Monnig’s homily.

Featured image courtesy of Maria Ringes