Catholic University Celebrates Beginning of New School Year

Photo by: Wikipedia

On August 23, 2017 at Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois the University of St. Francis (USF) held their annual Convocation, officially marking the start to the new school year. Students at the university were welcomed to join together and participate in what University President Arvid Johnson called, “an ancient academic tradition.”

The new and transfer students were ushered to the front of the cathedral and invited to participate in a candle light ceremony. Candles were lit from persons to person, beginning with professors, symbolizing leaders passing the gift of education to students.

Following the candle lighting, USF alumnus, Corbin Orr gave a remarkable speech focused on the importance of service. He described how service impacted his life during college and post-graduation and spoke to the students with passion about being involved in one’s community. He urged students to always make time in their hectic schedules for service.

During the homily Father Terry was his usual self, trying to excite and impact the crowd. Although his words were brief, he reminded students and faculty that without them the University of St. Francis would not be the school it is today.

The University of St. Francis’s Convocation was an amazing example of how students and faculty of one university can set aside their personal beliefs and come together to show support for what they all have in common, their school.

All members of the USF community, as well as individuals in the Joliet area, are welcome to attend Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond’s on Sundays. Mass times are 7:30a.m., 9:00a.m., 11:00a.m., and 7:00p.m.