Mass of the Holy Spirit begins new year at Saint Ignatius High School

 As it marks 140 years of Jesuit education in the Cleveland Diocese, Saint Ignatius High School began the new academic year with the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 4.

Normally, members of the freshman class process from the school on West 30thStreet in Cleveland to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, where a bagpiper leads them into the cathedral for the liturgy. But this year, because of extensive renovation work in the cathedral, the Mass was celebrated in the school’s Sullivan Gymnasium. Members of the class of 2030 processed around the campus, led by a piper, and then entered the gym.

Bishop Edward Malesic was the principal celebrant with Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost, a 1976 Saint Ignatius graduate, Father Ray Guiao, SJ, Saint Ignatius president, and other Jesuits concelebrating the Mass. Assisting was Deacon Jeff Stutzman, also a Saint Ignatius alumnus.

The bishop apologized for having to relocate the liturgy, explaining that “We  had to remove about one-third of the pews and there are five stories of extensive scaffolding in the cathedral,” he said. The bishop noted the cathedral, which was completed in 1852, hasn’t had a major interior renovation since about the 1970s.

“Just like buildings, we all need work from time to time,” he said.

Bishop Malesic noted the theme for this school year at Saint Ignatius is justice.

“As I look out, I see you – my youngest brothers in faith,” he said. “Come back to God often and do him justice. But don’t forget to do justice to your neighbors, also.”

The bishop told those gathered, which included all 1,400 Saint Ignatius students, faculty and staff and the Welsh Academy community, a Saint Ignatius affiliate that educates boys in grades 6-8, that “You are all icons of God. When I look at you, I should see God … It is right and just to honor the intrinsic dignity of every person. That is what makes us look different.”

Reflecting on the school year theme of justice, Bishop Malesic reminded the assembly that “it is an injustice to say negative things about others.” Also, he said Christians are called to live simply, cautioning them not to spend too much time worrying about their “stuff.”

“Life is not about getting as much as you can, but about what you can share. You’re blessed being here. I hope you understand just how much you are blessed. And why are you so blessed? So you can be a blessing for others … Be men for others,” he said. “Make it your mission to leave the world better and more loving than you found it,”

During the liturgy, the bishop commissioned the new members of the faculty and staff.

At the end of the Mass, Father Guiao presented each bishop with a gift bag that included Saint Ignatius items.