Buffalo, NY - The Canisius University community gathered in Christ the King Chapel on Wednesday, September 16, for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition observed by Jesuit institutions worldwide that brings students, faculty and staff together at the start of the academic year. Classes are paused for the day so the entire campus community can gather in prayer and reflection.
“Beginning the academic year this way is a powerful reminder that education is about more than acquiring knowledge,” says Spencer Liechty, assistant vice president for Mission Integration. “It is about forming the whole person — intellectually, spiritually, morally and socially — and discerning how our gifts and education can ultimately serve others.”
Celebrating the Gifts of a Diverse Campus
The celebration began with a formal academic procession through the campus Quad to Christ the King Chapel, led by faculty members dressed in full academic regalia.
Presided over by Rev. Fred Betti, SJ, this year’s Mass focused on how individuals can use their unique gifts to support the university’s mission and make a positive difference in the lives of others. That theme was reflected in readings proclaimed in different languages, highlighting the diversity of the Canisius community.
Student Onyeka Osuji ’27 and Steve Chanderbhan, PhD, associate professor of philosophy at Canisius University, proclaimed the first reading, with Osuji reading in Igbo, her native language. Students Alejandro Quispe ’29 and Pharydah Shaibu ’27 proclaimed the second reading, with Quispe reading in Spanish. Osuji also took part in last year’s Mass and described the experience as a way to share her culture and a piece of home with the university community.
“I am grateful to be given such an honor a second time. This reading tells of a pivotal moment in the Scripture when the barriers of language differences were overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit. For me, this is reliving the Scriptures in real time,” Osuji says. “I know there may not be anyone at the Mass who understands Igbo, but in that moment, that language barrier will not exist. They will be able to receive the message in my language.”
In his homily, Father Betti reflected on the readings’ message of unity, diversity and service, encouraging the Canisius community to recognize its individual gifts.
He began with a reflection on the recent FIFA World Cup. “It’s amazing how soccer can bring the whole world together,” he said.
Father Betti spoke about the excitement of watching smaller nations compete against larger ones on the world stage. But one moment during the medal ceremony especially captured his attention. As Spain, the winning team, received its medals, soccer player Nico Williams stepped away from the celebration to give his gold medal to his mother, María Arthuer.
“It was a culmination of his hard work and moving forward in life represented in that medal,” Betti said. “But at that moment, Nico Williams left the celebration to give his medal directly to his mother. He was making a statement, telling the world he runs fast, but his mother ran faster to escape death and give her children a better life.”
Father Betti encouraged the Canisius community to carry that same sense of gratitude and purpose into the academic year, reminding the university that it is a team.
“What you accomplish, make it a personal victory and work to take our gifts and serve the human community,” he said. “We are blessed by those who have made us.”
The message also reflects the Jesuit tradition at the heart of Canisius. “It calls us to create a community in which people from different backgrounds, experiences and faith traditions can learn from and support one another,” Liechty says.
President Steve Stoute continued the theme during his post-Communion reflection, picking up on Father Betti’s soccer analogy and reminding students that they are at the center of the university’s work.
“Students are at the midfield and your goals are our goals as you seek to build a better future,” Stoute said.
Reflecting on the Mass readings, Stoute also emphasized the importance of unity within the Canisius community.
“We are different, yet we are one Canisius,” he said. “The Jesuit institutions are a global society that has been transforming people for almost 500 years. We are fortunate to be part of that tradition.”
He encouraged the community to continue working together toward the shared mission of transforming lives for the greater good.
“How blessed we are in a time when people look at differences,” he said. “Let’s strive to be at Canisius working toward one objective and be committed to each other.
Canisius alumni Jesse Brodka '21, MS '23 and Clare Smokowski-Brodka '21 provided music for the celebration. Father Betti was joined by concelebrants Rev. David Ciancimino, SJ, and Rev. Benjamin Fiore, SJ, with Deacon Gary Andelora assisting.
Connecting the Experience to Answer the Call
The themes of the Mass also align with Canisius University’s Answer the Call strategic plan, particularly its emphasis on student success, whole-person formation and community.
“The Mass of the Holy Spirit connects very naturally to Answer the Call because both ask us to consider not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it and how our work can contribute to something larger than ourselves,” Liechty says.
That approach is central to the Canisius student experience. In addition to preparing for careers, students are encouraged to develop their character, discover their purpose, build meaningful relationships and use their education to serve others.
“The Mass gives us a chance to put those aspirations into practice from the very beginning of the academic year. Student success is not simply about grades or career preparation,” Liechty says. “It also includes the ability to make a positive difference in the world.”
For students, that sense of purpose can begin with discovering gifts they may not have recognized in themselves.
“When I left Nigeria for Canisius last August, I was convinced I was bringing just two gifts — intellect and passion,” Osuji says. “But Canisius gave me a priceless gift by helping me see that I have much more to give. I was worried there was a picture of a ‘perfect Canisius student’ that I wouldn’t fit. But the Canisius community accepted me wholeheartedly. I became confident that I am enough and loved as I am.”
Osuji’s experience reflects the sense of belonging and personal growth that Liechty says are central to the Canisius experience.
“I hope everyone left the Mass with a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude and connection,” Liechty says. “I hope students carry with them the courage to embrace new challenges, the wisdom to ask for help when they need it, and the generosity to recognize and support the people around them.”
