BC Begins Sesquicentennial with Mass at Fenway Park

The celebration of the 150 anniversary of BC’s founding officially began this weekend at historic Fenway Park. Over 20,000 students, faculty, and alumni gathered together for the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The majority of BC’s Jesuit community was present, in addition to Bishop Peter Libasci of Manchester, NH, Auxiliary Bishop John Dooher of Boston, and His Eminence, Cardinal Sean O’Malley O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston. Father William P. Leahy S.J., the president of Boston College, was the principal celebrant of the Mass.

The music for the liturgy was provided by several groups from both schools including the Liturgical Arts Group, the University Chorale of Boston College, the Liturgical Choir of Boston College High School, and the School of Theology and Ministry Liturgical Choir.

The event began with a procession of faculty, staff and trustees from both Boston College and BC High. Afterwards, the Jesuits form both schools proceeded to the altar with Father Don MacMillan S.J. leading the way carrying the gospel. Father Arthur R. Madigan S.J., the chairman of the philosophy department at Boston College, announced everyone as they proceeded from the right field warning track down towards the altar, located on the first base line.

The homily was given by Father Michael Himes, a diocesan priest from the Diocese of Brooklyn and professor of theology at BC. He stressed the importance of Catholic, Jesuit education, stating that education’s attempt to make us grow in our humanity causes us to approach Christ-like divinity. Father Himes also discussed the importance of sharing education stating that “If you think of your education as something you’ve achieved and will hold on to [or] as training to make more money or get a better job… then I must say, I think you are unworthy of your education.”

After the Mass, Cardinal O’Malley addressed the crowd. Beginning his remarks with a lighthearted joke, Cardinal O’Malley commented on how unfair it was that the some Jesuits had craters on the moon named after them, where as the Capuchins only had a type of coffee named after them. However, the main focus of his talk was to highlight the importance of BC and the positive impact it has had on the larger Boston community. Following the Cardinal’s remarks, Father Leahy gave a final blessing to the crowd.

Events related to the BC’s sesquicentennial will continue throughout the academic year.