Campus Ministry hosts Mass of the Holy Spirit and more

By: Katie Dusza, Asst. News Editor

This year’s Mass of the Holy Spirit took place on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Chapel, followed by a brunch in the Dining Hall. We sat down with Fr. Betti, a valued leader of Canisius’ Jesuit community, to learn more about the mass and upcoming Campus Ministry events.

The tradition of the Mass of the Holy Spirit dates back to the Middle Ages, with the establishment of Jesuit institutions that took on the tradition of starting their day with mass. The idea of daily mass is derived from the Pentecost, which is the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the apostles. This was translated by Catholic institutions to instill a mass where they ask the Holy Spirit to give students and faculty the gift of wisdom and courage going into the academic year. This tradition was carried on through the establishment of Jesuit schools and the Mass of the Holy Spirit was made a tradition that still stands across Catholic institutions around the globe. 

For many years in all-Catholic institutions, the Mass of the Holy Spirit was mandatory. However, with Canisius’ increasingly diverse student body, attendance is encouraged but optional. The Mass of the Holy Spirit is an event for all students regardless of religious background. The sense of community is really what defines this mass. The desire for guidance and hope during the school year is a wish that unites all of us, regardless of background. This event is an effective way of unifying Canisius students and faculty from different backgrounds, rather than an exclusive service for Catholics. Additionally, this mass connects Jesuit institutions all over the globe as the tradition is celebrated worldwide. This year’s mass saw an increase in the number of attendees from the last two years, including an increase in faculty members attending.

Fr. Betti also commented that one of his goals for this year was to incorporate Canisius’ students from diverse backgrounds. To highlight their involvement in Campus Ministry, two international students proclaimed readings in their respective languages. One student from Nigeria proclaimed one of the readings in Ibu, which is her language from Nigeria. Another student from Spain proclaimed her reading in Spanish for the mass attendees. Another aspect of the event that incorporated students from diverse backgrounds included the brunch that followed, allowing those who did not attend mass to still celebrate the occasion and gather for the cause.

Campus Ministry holds mass every day, and there is a special blessing of the animals on the first weekend of October, in honor of St. Francis. In addition, the upcoming Griff Weekend on Sept. 26-28, will feature a mass open to all, especially celebrating the class of 1975 who will be observing their 50th anniversary.