University Celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit

08/21/2025

Saint Louis University marked the beginning of the new academic year with its traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit. This year's liturgy took place on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Saint Francis Xavier College Church.

New President Edward Feser, Ph.D., was officially missioned during the Mass.

This centuries-old Jesuit tradition — observed at Jesuit institutions worldwide since 1548 — calls upon the Holy Spirit to guide and bless the University’s mission for the year ahead.

Very Rev. Thomas P. Greene, S.J., provincial superior of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province, formally missioned Feser as “director of the work,” a Jesuit term for the person entrusted to lead a mission on behalf of the Society of Jesus. 

"Dr. Feser, may God grant you the strength in the mission, wisdom as a leader, compassion in your relations, peace in your difficult decisions and joy in your service," Green said. 

Fr. Greene also presided over the Mass and deliver the homily. In his homily, he spoke about SLU's Mission Priority Examen being affirmed by Jesuit Leadership. Greene praised SLU and was impressed by the hope-filled nature of the SLU community. He encouraged SLU to keep it's hopeful nature.