The Catholic University of America will celebrate the start of the 2020-21 academic year with its traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 12:10 p.m. in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Great Upper Church.
Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory, archbishop of Washington, D.C., and University chancellor, will serve as principal 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 participate. Since seating for the Mass is limited and by invitation only, the public and broader University community are invited to celebrate through these livestreams.
MEDIA: To cover the Mass, contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-5600.
Media will not be permitted to attend in person, but if texts of the homily and remarks are provided in advance, we will make sure you receive them.