Breakfast of Champions

I first discovered the 8 AM Mass at St. Mary’s in the second semester of my Freshman year after the Ignite retreat. I was reminded about the importance of daily prayer and receiving the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. 

Back home, I had attended daily Mass before for the season of Lent as a Junior in high school and fittingly came back to it right before Lent during my Freshman year in college. I had remembered the sense of peace in beginning each day with Mass hearing the word of God and receiving Him, especially during a turbulent time in my life. Although I was in a better place, I realized that I needed to build my relationship with Christ whether I was at a low or a high and to come closer to Him instead of being complacent when I did not “need” Him. 

The first time I went to daily Mass at St. Mary’s I admired the simplicity of the Mass, the beauty of the chapel, and the community of people who made the intentional decision to attend Mass. The Mass itself was reverent. The word and Eucharist were clearly the most important parts. 

The chapel has beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from Mary’s life and the altar’s focus is the tabernacle and crucifix above. I was amazed by how many community members and students took the time out of their day to wake up early and commit themselves to the daily sacrament. A fellow student did the reading and psalm showing their willingness to serve the community. 

After going back each day, I recognized the same people and had the opportunity to build new friendships and deepen those I already had with people I knew from Gratia Plena and Sons of St. Patrick. 

I eventually joined the other students for breakfast at the Rat each morning after Mass, and was welcomed into a community of Catholic students who each chose, without being told by their parents or feeling obligated by Sunday Mass, to attend daily Mass and receive Christ each day. 

I knew I was surrounded by people who took their faith seriously and were trying to grow in virtue. Good conversation accompanied post-Mass breakfast whether it be about classes, sports, theology, or clubs. Throughout the years, I have been able to welcome freshmen and other students into the 8 AM squad and have the chance to share the experience of Christ along with them. I am honored to be able to call the people in this community my friends and I have had many fun adventures outside of 8am.

Going to daily Mass and being surrounded by the community I have described has inspired me to grow in my relationship with God, provided me with amazing friendships, and helped me to better live out my faith. It is an absolute gift to have the opportunity to attend daily Mass at Boston College. 

There are at least four opportunities to attend daily Mass, whether that be at 8 AM, noon Mass, Lannon Chapel, or Candlelight. St. Mary’s is also a great place to stop by to pray during the day. The chapel is often dark with light only coming from the altar and this atmosphere lends itself to focusing on Christ. This is an opportunity that we will have like no other when we leave Boston College and I encourage everyone to take advantage of it.