Members of the University community packed the Plaza at O'Neill Library for this year's Mass of the Holy Spirit. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)
Boston College's traditional "opening ceremonies" for the academic year began at noon on September 8 with the Mass of the Holy Spirit on the Plaza at O'Neill Library.
The Mass, a traditional opening of the school year at Jesuit institutions dating back to the Middle Ages, was open to members of the University community of all faiths.
University President William P. Leahy, S.J., presided, with members of the campus Jesuit community and other priests at BC concelebrating. Vice President and University Secretary Terrence P. Devino, S.J., was homilist; students, faculty, and staff will participate as greeters, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers; BC's Liturgy Arts Group provided music.
The Mass of the Holy Spirit is organized each year by the Office of Campus Ministry in the Division of University Mission and Ministry. Later in the day, the University holds its annual First Year Academic Convocation in Conte Forum.
—Kathleen Sullivan | News & Public Affairs