UIW Welcomes the 2024-25 Academic Year with Annual Mass of the Holy Spirit

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the University of the Incarnate Word ushered in a new academic year by participating in its long-standing tradition of hosting its Mass of the Holy Spirit, with origins dating back to the medieval times of the great Catholic universities of Europe.

The entirety of the UIW community was welcomed to gather in Our Lady’s Chapel to prayerfully invoke the aide of the Holy Spirit upon the efforts of all who contribute to the University’s Mission.

Representatives from UIW’s various schools (School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Dreeben School of Education, School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, HEB School of Business and Administration, School of Media and Design, Feik School of Pharmacy and the Rosenberg School of Optometry) initiated the event by presenting objects that represented their various education specialties. Each symbol was placed at the front of the chapel, serving as a powerful reminder of how the community unites in purpose at the beginning of each new school year.

“May all faculty, staff and students come to know and bear the values of our Mission within their lives: faith, innovation, education, service and truth,” spoke Carmen Aguilar, liturgy and music assistant. “As we mark this new academic year, we hope the wisdom of the Holy Spirit inspires our words and peace.”

Unified under One Word, as UIW’s unified institution, UIW staff, faculty, students and alumni sang, prayed and rejoiced as they welcomed the new academic year and the opportunities it brings for growth and renewal.

“We pray during this Mass that God will give us the graces that we need not only to fall but also to love each other, because only in love can we receive the promises of God,” shared Fr. Hector Kalaluka, OMI, during his homily. “When we are able to love each other, then we can be a united community.”