Under the Auspices of His Beatitude Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah, Bethlehem University celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit for the faculty, staff and students of the University on Thursday, 8 September 2005.
Many staff, faculty, graduates and students gathered to welcome the Patriarch and to pray in unity, raising their voices to God in song with the accompaniment of the joyful music led by Sister Patricia Crockford and the student and alumni choir.
As we prayed for the blessings of God on this new academic year, the 33rd academic year of Bethlehem University, the University's Vice Chancellor, Brother Daniel Casey, and the Patriarch called on us all to daily support and encourage each other so as to nurture the grace of the Holy Spirit within us as we face the challenges necessary to achieve our academic goals.
Following the Mass, the Patriarch held an open discussion with students, faculty and staff in the University's Cardinal Furno Hall. The discussion was facilitated by Father Jamal Khader, Chair of Religious Studies, and was opened with a few words by His Beatitude Michel Sabbah speaking about the current Christian – Muslim relations and calling for all Christians and Muslims to strengthen their efforts towards building a stronger bond of understanding and solidarity. Many students joined in the conversation with the Patriarch, commenting on a variety of religious, spiritual and social issues of concern to them. Everyone felt free to honestly ask questions and share opinions – expressing gratitude to His Beatitude for being open, candid and available to and supportive of them.
