UIW Celebrates Annual Mass of the Holy Spirit

The UIW community came together on Wednesday, Sept. 7 in Our Lady’s Chapel to celebrate the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, a time-honored tradition for the University. The Mass is held at the beginning of each fall semester, and serves as an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and administrators to rededicate themselves to UIW's Mission, renew friendships with one another, and welcome new members into the community. During the celebration, attendees ask for the inspiration, guidance, and presence of God's Spirit on all campus activities, and that His divine wisdom inform their work.

This tradition has its origins in the great Catholic universities of Europe dating back to medieval times. Today, it is celebrated at Catholic universities around the world. In a tradition unique to the UIW, the Mass began with a procession of faculty members representing each of the University’s disciplines. Each faculty representative offered a physical symbol of their school and placed it in the sanctuary for the duration of the Mass.

This year, Dr. Javier Clavere, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, shared a beautiful reflection on each symbol presented. The symbols, displayed at each of the nine colleges present, stand as a physical reminder of their commitment to educational excellence in a context of faith in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God.

Find additional worship opportunities on the UIW Mission and Ministry webpage.