The Boston College community gathered at St. Ignatius Church last week for the inaugural Mass of Gratitude, which organizers say represents a new tradition meant to offer prayers of thanksgiving for blessings received during the academic year.
University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., celebrated the inaugural liturgy, which drew a crowd of more than 1,000 students.
“The standing-room only attendance for our first Mass of Gratitude showed, once again, how important faith is in the lives of BC students and how excited they are for opportunities to celebrate it together,” said Fr. Tony Penna, associate vice president for University Mission and Ministry and director of Campus Ministry.
Fr. Penna said the liturgy serves as a complement to the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, which the department also organizes. A tradition at Jesuit institutions, the Mass opens the school year with a prayer seeking the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and grace.
University Communications | University Mission and Ministry | May 14, 2018