The Canisius University community gathered on Wednesday, September 10 for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, a centuries-old Jesuit tradition that marks the sacred beginning of the academic year. Faculty, staff and students of all faith traditions filled Christ the King Chapel for the special liturgy, which invokes the Holy Spirit’s guidance, wisdom and inspiration for the year ahead. Classes were canceled to allow the entire campus community to participate in this meaningful tradition observed by Jesuit education institutions worldwide, beginning with a formal academic procession through the campus Quad led by a ceremonial bagpiper.
The Mass featured readings delivered by students in different languages, reflecting the university’s embrace of diverse faith traditions and backgrounds. Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, chaplain for mission and ministry, presided over the service and incorporated prayers focused on academic and spiritual growth, emphasizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, courage and knowledge – qualities considered essential to the Jesuit educational mission.
In his homily, Father Betti highlighted the Berlin Cross, a hand-carved crucifix displayed prominently in Christ the King Chapel that was gifted to Canisius Buffalo by Canisius Berlin in 1948 as gratitude for the clothes, supplies, and money that Buffalo students organized and sent to help their German counterparts rebuild after World War II’s devastation. Father Betti used this powerful example of past generosity to illustrate the enduring nature of the school’s Ignatian identity and commitment to service.
Click hereto read more about Wednesday’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.
Last month, Canisius professor Richard D. Reitsma, PhD, along with students Kaitlin O’Meara ’26, Mackenzie Jordan Harmon ’26, and Gabriel Rodríguez León ’26, traveled to Arizona to witness firsthand the realities faced by migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Their journey was part of an immersive experience with the Kino Border Initiative (KBI), a faith-based organization dedicated to promoting “Migration with Dignity.”
Buffalo-Toronto Public Media interviewed Howard Stanger, PhD, professor of management, for a story about the ongoing contract negotiations for Catholic Health employees at Mercy Hospital. Stanger explained that the contract’s outcome will likely have ripple effects, potentially influencing other hospital systems as employees may migrate to facilities with better wages and benefits. He noted that both parties have economic incentives to reach equitable contract terms, and that the final deal will likely serve as a measuring stick for future negotiations. Click here to read the story.
Denise Flannery, executive associate to President Steve Stoute, captured this picture of students enjoying the beautiful weather – and the newly updated landscaping – outside Bagen Hall this week.
During the summer months, crews replaced outdated and overgrown landscaping in front of the university’s administration building and library with new beds that complement the areas.
