On August 19, Bellarmine College Prep gathered as a school community to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition among the nearly 3,500 Jesuit schools globally at the beginning of the academic year.
Bellarmine’s Mass of the Holy Spirit was held at a beautiful, outdoor setting on the Leo J. and Mary G. Lucas Quad with Fr. Mike Manalastas, S.J., as presider and Fr. Rob Scholla, S.J., superior of the Bellarmine Jesuit Community, as homilist.
In his opening remarks, Bellarmine’s president, Mr. Chris Meyercord ’88, offered words of welcome and, in noting the school’s Justice Theme this year of Environmental Sustainability, encouraged all to take pride in our campus and to admire the beauty that surrounds us as “there is peace and beauty to be found in nature.” Those opening remarks were followed by a Muwekma Ohlone Land Acknowledgment delivered by student Aaron He ’26.
During his homily, Fr. Scholla, noting that he is just beginning his first year as superior of the Bellarmine Jesuit community, spoke of being in solidarity with the freshmen, and he prayed that all at Bellarmine would create a community of respect and encouragement for one another. He also reflected that “Creation is not a past event. Creation is now,” and that God is engaged in this reality, “actively present and creating now.” Speaking about the importance for respect of every individual, Fr. Scholla reminded us that “Each of us is God’s unique word, spoken only once …. God does not give up on you.”
Music was provided by members of the Big Brothers program who hosted the Mass and who also joined with The Bells Choir.