The St. Thomas campus community was blessed to gather for the first student body Mass of the 2023-2024 academic year and celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary “taken up body and soul to the glory of heaven.”

President Fr. James Murphy, CSB served as the principal celebrant for an attentive gathering in Cemo Auditorium, honoring Mother Mary’s obedience, humility, and faithfulness.

The Gospel reading – St. Luke’s account of Mary’s visitation – focuses on the second of the joyful mysteries of the Rosary. Months into her pregnancy. Mary rushed to her older cousin Elizabeth who was also expecting a child. The passage includes the Magnificat when Mary praises the greatness of God and all He has done for her.

In his homily, Fr. Murphy spoke to “Mary as the exemplar because she stayed true to God’s promise and was assumed into heaven. As we begin this school year, let’s look for opportunities to show God what will make Him proud and show each other what will confirm God’s love for us. Let’s be proud of ourselves and allow God to be proud of us.”

Catholic. Basilian. Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900.