Godspeed, Loyola Hall

Lizzie Pike

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, an email was sent out to the student body regarding our Jesuit members of Buffalo, N.Y. and Loyola Hall. The email, in short, announced that Loyola Hall would no longer be the residential building for our Buffalo Jesuits, and they would soon be relocated at the end of the academic year. When I first read this email, I was actually confused and shocked by the news. It caught my attention, and, obviously, I have my opinions on the matter (hence why I’m writing an opinion editorial).

Loyola Hall is a beautiful building that was constructed on Canisius grounds in 1949, just before Christmas; the perfect gift for holy people, and around the best time to get all cozied up in your new lofts. If you’ve never been inside Loyola Hall, I definitely recommend doing so before the Jesuits disperse. Loyola Hall has provided a place for Jesuits who have participated in the Catholic Church’s educational and religious activities, and it is close to surrounding churches and Jesuit institutions like Canisius High School and Canisius University. However, times have changed.

Since the opening of other Jesuit institutions, like NativityMiguel Middle School, the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus had begun discussions of putting the Buffalo Jesuit communities into a new area, one that is much more accommodating and accessible. After a couple of years of discussion, Canisius and the USA East Province have finally come to a solution, which is the reason for the move.

I want to preface this by saying that I grew up in an atheist family. I was never surrounded by religion growing up, and was told that I could choose my own path as I got older. I, currently, am agnostic. Originally, I was very nervous to go to Canisius, assuming that I would come to a very unaccepting place. I avoided Mass or anything within the church. However, around 2025, I saw an advertisement for “Tea Time” with Fr. Fred Betti, the university chaplain. I decided to go since I needed something to do. When I stepped into Loyola Hall, not only was I greeted with a warm welcome from Betti, but I was amazed at the architecture and appearance. It was beautiful, with amazing works of art and beautiful wood finishes. After that, I grew fond of the building itself, which now holds great memories of conversation and laughter.

I wonder, though: Will this affect what the Jesuits can do on campus and their availability? Will this affect “Tea Time”? What will they do with the building? I really think it would be nice to keep the building and its beautiful appearance, and let the building be used for artistic classes; studio art, cooking or history. Something in the arts would be amazing to see. Maybe “Tea Time” will happen in the church instead- who knows. I hope those memories stay, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Godspeed, Loyola Hall.