September 3, 2024 // Bishop

Mass Marks New Year at Saint Francis

Clare Hildebrandt

Reporter

“Don’t wait to love beauty,” Bishop Rhoades implored students, staff, faculty, and administrators during a Mass marking the opening of the academic year at the University of Saint Francis.

Held in the auditorium on the university’s North Campus on the feast of St. Augustine on Wednesday, August 28, Bishop Rhoades reminded the student body that the hallmark of a Catholic education is the pursuit of the highest things, such as goodness, truth, and beauty.

The Mass was followed by a convocation address by Dr. Lance Richey, President of the university, and then a complimentary lunch for those in attendance.

During his homily, Bishop Rhoades praised St. Augustine, urging students to emulate the saint’s example. As a Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine is a model of Catholic scholarship.

“Dear students, I hope you learn here at the University of Saint Francis not only to pursue truth, but to love beauty,” Bishop Rhoades said. “Augustine was a great lover of beauty – the beauty of the universe, not only the beauty of bodies, but also of the spirit,” Bishop Rhoades said.

In a world highly devoid of belief in God, he highlighted the need for college students to pursue their studies with a strong faith.

“At an authentic Catholic university like Saint Francis, one can pursue truth on the wings of reason and faith. That’s what Augustine did.”

A main component of developing a deeper faith requires regular time set aside for prayer. The university’s chapel, the Oratory of St. Francis, provides students with a place to do so.

“Visit the oratory at the center of campus: It is the beating heart of this university,” Bishop Rhoades said. “It is the house of God here on this campus – a place of spirit, a place of nourishment for your souls.”

Gabrielle Loeffler, a freshman at Saint Francis, told Today’s Catholic of her prayer experience at the oratory.

“It’s nice to go when no one is there,” she said. “It’s quiet. … You get to sit in silence and just let your thoughts come.”

Loeffler said she found Bishop Rhoades’ words relevant to the experience of new students.

“I really liked what he said about St. Augustine, because it really ties into what people may be feeling right now.” 

Beginning her freshman year two days prior, Loeffler spent her week meeting new peers and familiarizing herself with campus. Like Augustine, finding rest in prayer has helped with the adjustment.

Following the Mass, fellow freshman Marie Beeber shared her spiritual goals for the year, telling Today’s Catholic that “going to the oratory is where we will find rest. Being able to go to Mass every day is something I did in high school but not in the summer. Now I can do it again.”

Richey, who was installed as President of the University of Saint Francis this past spring, said allowing students to grow intellectually and spiritually is a key goal of the university.

“God created everything, and He created His highest creation, human beings, to go out and transform this world to reflect His image more and more. A Saint Francis education prepares students for that in health care, the sciences, in business, or the arts,” Richey said.

The witness of St. Augustine complements the goal of the University of Saint Francis, which according to Richey is “shaping the whole student, not just a part of the student.” 

He calls students to take advantage of their years at the University of Saint Francis, pursuing knowledge that is fulfilling both to their minds and souls. 

“That’s a really important message in today’s society, where there are so many fleeting attractions, to know the things that endure, the beauty that is ever ancient, ever new, as Bishop Rhoades reminds us.”