Regis Celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit as New School Year Begins

The Regis community on Friday joined together at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a cherished tradition in Jesuit education. It marked the first time that the Class of 2027 celebrated Mass with the broader Regis community.

Regis President Rev. Christopher Devron, SJ, served as the primary celebrant and was joined on the altar by Rev. Arthur Bender, SJ, and Rev. James Ferus, SJ. More than 40 students volunteered as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, musicians, ushers, and gift bearers.

"Today we boldly ask the power of the Holy Spirit to bless our upcoming year together," said Fr. Devron during his homily. "May the flame of the Holy Spirit burn from within us any fear or suspicion of the other. May the wind of the Holy Spirit cleanse our minds and hearts so that we can listen and understand each other and even understand how God is working in our lives."

Following Fr. Devron’s homily, Regis students, faculty, and staff offered petitions in 12 languages: Malayalam, Portuguese, Italian, Korean, French, Russian, Greek, German, Ukranian, Spanish, Tagalog, and English. The Regis community remembered in a special way Matthew G. Leonard '80, Gregory J. Trost '93, and Paul J. Battaglia '96, the three Regis alumni who passed away 22 years ago in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Before Mass concluded, Fr. Devron and the Regis community conferred a special blessing on Mr. Charlie Heintz, the new Principal of Regis.

"Good and gracious God, pour out your love and blessings upon Mr. Charlie Heintz's gifts," said Fr. Devron, as students, faculty, and staff raised their arms towards the new Principal.

The Mass followed several days of orientation sessions in preparation for the new school year. After Mass, the Class of 2024 gathered with faculty in the cafeteria for the annual Senior-Faculty Luncheon. Classes begin on Monday, September 11.