On September 10, the Boston College faculty, staff, students, and administrators took part in the Mass of the Holy Spirit. University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J. presided over the liturgy celebrated in unfamiliar settings.
“We were convinced that St. Ignatius Church gave us the best place to adhere to the regulations spelled out by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Archdiocese of Boston,” Fr. Tony Penna, Director of Campus Ministry, said in explaining the new location for the Mass.
In previous years, the Mass of the Holy Spirit had been held on the O’Neill Library Lawn or in Conte Forum. A limited number of seats were available for reservation in St. Ignatius of Loyola Church and in the Lannon Chapel beneath it where the Mass was being simulcasted. Hundreds of individuals streamed the Mass on YouTube. A recording of the Mass is still available for viewing on Boston College’s YouTube page.
Members of the Liturgy Arts Group, directed by Campus Minister Meyer Chambers, were present providing music and song within the Archdiocesan safety guidelines. Numerous Jesuit priests were also in attendance concelebrating the Mass with the university president.
Fr. Leahy delivered the homily in front of the socially-distanced attendees.
“[Vision] shapes the long-term direction of people and organizations. This Mass urges us to consider the vision that impels us forward,” Fr. Leahy said. “When our vision is not strong or needs strengthening, I suggest entering into a dialogue with the traditions and values that shaped our lives so that we might be reenergized by the past aspirations, hopes, and memories.”
Fr. Leahy continued to address the theme of vision later in his homily.
“Vision shapes and drives mission… Those words, go forth and bear fruit that will last, apply to us and should be part of our mission,” Fr. Leahy said. “We can live that mission in our everyday lives through simple acts… and visibly recognizing human beings and possibly lifting their spirits.”
Despite unique circumstances, students from all grade levels engaged in the annual liturgy.
Mary Clare Scalise, LSEHD ‘23, went to the Mass in-person.
“The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a wonderful way to set the tone for a new school year,” Scalise said. “Even though it looked different this year, the truth remains that we are a community inspired by inclusion, social justice, and being people for others, and I love to see this excitement during our first school-wide Mass.”
Maia Jakubowski, MCAS ‘22, attended the Mass online via YouTube.
“I love the Mass of the Holy Spirit, because it reminds me about what is important as I begin each academic year,” Jakubowski said. “Usually September is filled with adjustments, anxiety, and preoccupations, but keeping in mind our ‘vision’ lets us discern between what we really should and should not be focusing on.”
Thomas is a student in BC’s Carroll School of Management, who fittingly serves as the current Business Manager of The Torch in addition to his position as Campus News Editor. Thomas can be found around campus singing at Masses with the Liturgy Arts Group, tabling for the BC Pro-Life Club, deep in conversation while enjoying BC Dining cuisine, or gazing in awe at Gasson Hall and its Collegiate Gothic style architectural neighbors.
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