As we begin each academic year at Bethlehem University, we celebrate the graciousness of God through the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

This year, Bethlehem University celebrated the Mass on Thursday, 8 October 2020, under different circumstances as we strictly adhered to COVID-19 protocols, and the safety measures.

The Mass was held in the University’s Chapel of the Divine Child, where some of the University community, who are already on campus, gathered to ask God’s blessing and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming academic year 2020-2021.

In his welcoming speech, Vice Chancellor Brother Peter Bray said, “We pray that God bless us this year as we gather in God’s presence. Let us also pray that God inspires faculty, staff, and students who are working together to achieve the mission of Bethlehem University during these special circumstances.”

The celebrant of the Mass was Rev. Fr. Bernard Poggi, faculty member and Vice-Rector of the Latin Patriarchal Seminary, who prayed to the Holy Spirit to guide the Bethlehem University community to spread wisdom through education.

The mass is usually an occasion where the administration, faculty, staff, students, and the De La Salle Christian Brothers come together in prayers to offer thanks to God. This year was different than previous years as students are not on campus and limited numbers of the Bethlehem University community were able to attend.

Mass of the Holy Spirit