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