As it has grown and transformed, Gonzaga has developed a number of meaningful traditions. That tends to happen over a period of 125 years. But no tradition is as old — or perhaps as sacred — as one in particular.
Every academic year at Gonzaga begins with the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition that dates to the University’s opening on Sept. 17, 1887. Today’s Mass, which begins at 11:15 a.m. at Saint Aloysius Church, is part of the University’s 125th Anniversary celebration.
When Gonzaga, then only a college, held its first Mass of the Holy Spirit in 1887, its Jesuit community was more than twice the size of its student body. There were 17 Jesuits on campus and only seven students. By the end of the academic year, Gonzaga boasted 18 students.
In order for students from that initial class to gain admission to Gonzaga, applicants needed to know how to read and write and must have been at least 10 years old. They were offered preparatory classes as well as an upper-level course of studies.
During today’s Mass of the Holy Spirit, the University will pray for God’s wisdom and inspiration during the coming academic year. All members of the Gonzaga and Spokane communities are encouraged to attend, regardless of religious tradition. The Mass will begin with an academic procession of Gonzaga faculty and seniors followed by the concelebrants. Reverend Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Gonzaga president from 1998-2008, will preside while Reverend Steve Kuder, S.J., will give the homily.
Other notable anniversary events taking place in the next week include Pilgrimage and the Historic First Day of Classes. Pilgrimage, which starts at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 15, is a spiritual journey through the North Idaho wilderness that ends at the Mission of the Sacred Heart in Cataldo, Idaho. The Historic First Day of Classes, meanwhile, is slated for Sept. 17 and will include a leadership breakfast, Mass and a campus-wide celebration. For more information on all anniversary events, visit gonzaga.edu/125.