By Dc. Tom Cuskey
Editor
The doors to Le Moyne College in Syracuse opened in 1946, and every year since, a liturgical tradition that dates back to the mid-16th Century has been observed as classes get underway.
The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition among the Society of Jesus — the Jesuit order — and it is celebrated annually at Jesuit institutions of learning in thanksgiving for the divine gifts of creation and salvation, and to invoke the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout the new academic year.
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia was principal concelebrant for the Mass, held in the college’s Panasci Family Chapel. An overflow crowd of students, faculty, administrators and guests filled the space to celebrate the new year.
Bishop Lucia and Le Moyne president Dr. Linda LeMura following the liturgy.
“The bishop is the chief pastor … he’s the chief educator of this diocese,” explained Father Patrick Rogers, S.J., Le Moyne’s vice president for mission integration. “This is the only Catholic College in the diocese, and we’re very conscious of that, and we’re very proud of that. And so, it’s really nice to have the Bishop when he comes. And we invite him often.”
Fr. Rogers expressed his joy at the size of the crowd for the Mass; he sees it as a visible sign that the Le Moyne community understands its mission.
“For example, the athletic director, the coaches, they’re telling their players, ‘This is how we show leadership … This is where the community is gathering.’ … We’re showing up because it’s important to welcome and to pray with our bishop.”
For his part, Bishop Lucia expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“This Mass of the Holy Spirit is meant also to be part of the prayer for one another, that we pray for one another as we’re on this journey.”
In remarks before the final blessing, Dr. Linda LeMura, Le Moyne’s president, thanked students for taking the “opportunity to stop and center ourselves amid all of the wonderful busyness of a new academic year.” Speaking for a moment to the freshman students – the Class of 2028 –in attendance, she reminded them that “With a million things to do during the first week of classes, we still take the time to slow down, to be together, to be conscious of the strength and support of the community around us.”
Derek Tetrault of East Syracuse was one of those freshmen attending his first Mass at Le Moyne. “Going to a Catholic college is so important to me,” he shared. “It helps strengthen things, like theology and even my belief. And to be around people who believe in the same thing as me? It really helps, strengthen my faith.” His younger sister Sierra, a Bishop Grimes Jr/Sr High School sophomore, came along for the Mass and echoed Derek’s beliefs and the reason to be at the Mass. “I’ll have to agree with my brother,” she said, “just to grow deeper in your faith and be closer with God and to learn more about Him.”
Lauren Shaler is a junior transfer just starting at Le Moyne. The Baldwinsville native, when asked about her presence at the Mass, kept it simple. “I’m Catholic,” was her reply, but she added that academics made Le Moyne a great choice. “They have a great nursing program here, and I’m doing the ‘degree in three’ [program] with Crouse [Crouse Irving Hospital]. I’m in my first semester with them right now.”
Matt Suleiman was another freshman in attendance at his first Le Moyne liturgy. He was also one of the many students wearing red for the Holy Spirit. As a homeschooled student, he cited the focus on faith he received at home as a catalyst for choosing Le Moyne. “I had religion every single year in my 12 years of studying, and I think that really helped me to gain a deeper appreciation for my faith.”
A deeper appreciation of faith is what Le Moyne is all about, evidenced this day by celebrating a 500-year-old tradition. As Dr. LeMura told the gathering, “That’s the kind of place Le Moyne is, and that’s the kind of college you’ve become a part of.”
