The Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, urged the Marymount University community to accept and return God’s love during this year’s Mass of the Holy Spirit, celebrated Sept. 3 at the school’s Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel.
“The more you realize the depth of the Lord’s love for you, the more you try to accept it and to return it, the greater inner peace and joy you will experience as you pursue your studies, take part in extracurricular activities, participate in sports and interact with one another,” Bishop Loverde said during his homily.
A time-honored tradition at Marymount, the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit unites the campus in prayer and reflection at the beginning of each academic year. Father Brian Bashista, chaplain and director of campus ministry, and Father Jack Peterson, assistant chaplain, were concelebrants.
President Matthew D. Shank introduced the bishop, who asked everyone to embrace the overwhelming reality and truth of God’s love.
“Begin each day this year with the awareness that the Lord Jesus is thirsting for your love,” Bishop Loverde urged. “Open your heart to let Him love you and give back to Him the only thing He desires: your love.”
