A Glance Back at the Mass of the Holy Spirit

On Wednesday, September 16, about 350 Seton Hall University students, staff and faculty gathered in the University Center to celebrate the Annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. Celebrated by University President Reverend Monsignor Joseph Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., the Mass offered the University community a moment to stop, gather together and celebrate the beginning of a new academic year by asking the Holy Spirit to bless us. As Monsignor Reilly explained to those gathered, the Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition which extends back centuries in the world of academia. For many years, students, staff and faculty of Catholic institutions have gathered at the beginning of year to ask for the Holy Spirit’s blessing, presence and guidance throughout the new year. As such, the Seton Hall University community gathers each year in early September to proudly carry on this longstanding Catholic tradition.

Those who gathered for this special tradition this year had the privilege of listening to some of Monsignor Reilly’s wisdom during his homily. Monsignor Reilly proclaimed to the crowd that the Holy Spirit is with all of us and always gives us what we need. Regardless of the challenges we may face throughout the school year, the Holy Spirit is always there to provide us with what we need.

The Mass and words of Monsignor Reilly were impactful for those in attendance. When asked about the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Vice President of University Relations Matthew Borowick described it as “the perfect way to begin the new academic year.” He went on to say that “As a faith community, we call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us closer to God. As an academic community, we call upon the Holy Spirit to ground us in our learning – and doing – throughout the year ahead.” In both the faith and academic aspect, Borowick reflected upon the words from Monsignor Reilly’s homily, stating that the Holy Spirit enables us “to identify and strive toward the purpose each of us is called to fulfill.” Borowick’s reflections illustrate how the Holy Spirit truly is at work in the minds, hearts and spirits of all on campus.

May we embrace the beginning of the new academic year and pray for the blessing and guidance of the Holy Spirit!

Categories: Faith and Service