While every mass at Ursuline is a truly meaningful event, our first gathering of this academic year held special significance. The Mass of the Holy Spirit is celebrated at many Catholic schools world-wide to mark the opening of school and to ask for guidance and inspiration from the Holy Spirit. This year, Ursuline Academy was honored to welcome the new Archbishop of Boston, the Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., to celebrate this Mass with us.
The entire day felt like a beginning, both in school and in ministry. Just as Archbishop Henning has accepted his new position, the Mass of the Holy Spirit also marks when our senior Peer Ministers accept their new position as the spiritual leaders of our school. Our new Peer Ministers had the privilege of being blessed by the Archbishop as they were commissioned into their ministry; he reminded these new student leaders to let the Holy Spirit guide them.
What we do here matters, as Jesus speaks to our hearts. And I hope that here in this Mass and at every Mass, that truth pierces your heart, transforms you, and sends you forth. That it teaches you again the truth, that while God rejoices in your accomplishments, what God loves is the gift of a loving and trusting heart. It is you. Jesus wants to know you and wants to walk with you on the journey of your life. He wants to be in this gym, in your classroom, and in the hallways. He wants you to know his grace and his mercy. You’re totally free, as were Adam and Eve and everyone since. You can turn away and choose your own path. But, I promise you, if you hear his voice, if the eyes of your heart see his truth, if you trust him and entrust yourself to him, then you will know a joy, purpose, and meaning that this world can never really give nor ever take from you.
Archbishop Hennnig inspired our entire school community with a message of hope, gratitude, and excitement for the school year ahead. He was gracious with the time he spent after Mass, speaking and taking photos with students, faculty, staff, and family members. The Archbishop even made sure to pose for a photo with our 8th-grade class after learning they had been talking all week about meeting him.
We were beyond blessed and grateful to celebrate the opening of school with Archbishop Henning. As one of our newly commissioned peer ministers, I personally felt inspired by his words and invigorated about my role in ministry and service. Ursuline cannot wait to welcome Archbishop Henning back to campus. Until then we will keep his message in our hearts and do our best to live it out in our words and actions everyday.