The Catholic University of America will celebrate the start of the academic year with its Mass of the Holy Spirit on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 12:10 p.m. in 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.
The Mass marks the official start of the academic year at Catholic University, a practice that goes back to the universities of medieval Europe. It will be televised live on EWTN and CatholicTV.
University classes will be cancelled from 11:50 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.. so that students, faculty, and staff may attend.