Scenes from the Mass of the Holy Spirit 2026

 2026-27 Academic Year Opens with the Mass of the Holy Spirit 

Hundreds of faculty, staff, and students gathered on Thursday, August 27, 2026 for the Mass of the Holy Spirit, celebrated by Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, President of the University. 

Mass of the Holy Spirit is a longstanding Catholic academic tradition observed around the world. Its prayers call down the guidance of the Holy Spirit, asking for the gifts of wisdom, understanding, and courage. At Catholic universities, it serves as a reminder that education is not only about intellectual growth, but also about spiritual and personal formation. 

Saint Francis has opened the academic year with this tradition for the past thirteen years. 

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