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A Jesuit Tradition Continues at SLU-Madrid

by Katie Gortz on 09/09/2021

09/09/2021

The SLU-Madrid community came together to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition among Jesuit universities dating back to 1548. Faculty, staff and students welcomed in the new academic year, invoking the Holy Spirit to bless the learning, research and service endeavors at SLU-Madrid. This tradition continues at both of SLU's campuses—in St. Louis, Missouri, and Madrid, Spain.

Joining Campus Chaplain Fr. James O'Leary, S.J., to celebrate the Mass was Fr. Alberto de Mingo, a member of SLU-Madrid's Department of Theology. 

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Fr. Alberto de Mingo, a member of the Department of Theology, delivered the homily at the Fall 2021 Mass of the Holy Spirit. 

In the homily, Fr. de Mingo likened the gospel readings to the mission of universities as institutions of higher education: to remain rooted in the great traditions of the past while remaining on the cutting edge of innovation to face the challenges of our present and future. “We need roots to move on,” he said. “And we need the past to be able to face new challenges.”

The Mass took place outdoors on Padre Rubio Patio, and was followed by a reception. 

“Each new academic year brings its own joys and challenges,” commented SLU-Madrid Director and Academic Dean, Paul Vita, Ph.D. “The Mass brought us together as we teach, learn, and serve others during this era of COVID.”