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Students, faculty, staff and administrators gathered today at St. Aedan\u2019s: The Saint Peter\u2019s University Church to worship together at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which traditionally marks the beginning of the academic year. The Mass involved members of the campus community standing to affirm their commitment to love, generosity and social justice.<\/p>\n
Celebrant Rev. Michael L. Braden, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry at Saint Peter\u2019s University, asked for the Lord\u2019s blessing for the year, saying, \u201cWe pray today that our faith will teach us to be \u2018men and women for others.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Director of Campus Ministry Rev. Rocco Danzi, S.J., echoed these sentiments during his homily, stating, \u201cThere\u2019s so much to be thankful for today. As we begin this new academic year, we invite our University family and friends to call out to the Holy Spirit for guidance in the year to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the Mass, Associate Professor of Political Science Anna Brown, Ph.D., alumna Carmel Galasso \u201979 and student Melissa-Ann Emmanuel \u201916 presented their reflections on the gospel, often quoting Pope Francis and paying special attention to the Jesuit principles of Magis<\/i> and cura personalis<\/i>.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere at Saint Peter\u2019s, a diverse community enriches us,\u201d said Dr. Brown. \u201cWe have the opportunity to live as \u2018men and women for others\u2019 in a diverse environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Afterward, University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., delivered the Invitation to Rededication, where he asked members of student clubs and organizations, student-athletes, faculty, administration and staff to stand and pledge their commitment to service and compassion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ask you, O God, to guide the work of Saint Peter\u2019s University in the months ahead,\u201d he said. \u201cSend your Spirit upon us as you send us forth this year. Fill us with your wisdom and compassion. Grant that we may devote ourselves to our studies, our teaching and our service \u2013 and share what we have learned from you and from one another.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Dayana Arrufat Rondon \u201915, it was her first time attending Mass at Saint Peter\u2019s. \u201cI wanted to see how it was,\u201d she said. \u201cWith the music and environment, it was interesting and different than anything back home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meredith Przybocki \u201917 was surprised at how many people had come together for this very special event. \u201cIt gives me an experience of seeing all different cultures,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Following the Mass, a barbecue was held in Panepinto Plaza, where the campus community continued the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\t\t