Aug. 20, 2012
The Catholic University of America community will gather to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Great Upper Church.
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and chancellor of the University, will serve as the main celebrant and homilist. Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, will also attend the Mass. University President John Garvey will address the congregation following Communion.
The Mass - which draws heavy attendance by students, faculty, and staff and fills the Great Upper Church of the Basilica - marks the official start of the academic year at Catholic University and other Catholic educational institutions, a practice that goes back to the universities of medieval Europe. It will be televised live for the third consecutive year by the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).
Following the Mass, CUA will hold its sixth annual University Picnic on the University Mall. The University community will have the opportunity to greet Archbishop Viganò at the picnic. Classes will be canceled between 12:10 and 3 p.m.