Mass of the Holy Spirit
There is a tradition dating back to 16th century Europe where Catholic high schools and universities celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit to mark the beginning of the academic year. In Jesuit circles, the first Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated in 1548 at the first Jesuit school in Messina, Sicily. At Xavier University, Fr. John Elet, S.J., the first president, presided over the first Mass of the Holy Spirit in 1840, and this tradition has continued to today.
View videos of faculty and staff members sharing aspects of Xavier’s mission that they are celebrating this year:
Jamie Baxter
Director, Counseling Services
Dr. Leah Dunn
Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Karla Helton
Assistant Director, Student Success and Academic Advising
Dr. Marcus Mescher
Associate Professor, Theology
Dr. Linda Schoenstedt
Professor, Sports Studies
Dr. Tom Strunk
Associate Professor, Classics
Julie Taylor
Executive Assistant, Financial Administration
Angela Wyss
Director, Student Athlete Academic Support Services
Dr. Teresa Young
Associate Professor, Education