Loyola students, faculty and staff gathered for an emotional memorial to honor deceased student Juliano Mastroianni at 5 p.m. April 27 in Ignatius Chapel.

The memorial was moved from the Palm Court to the chapel due to rain earlier in the day.

It included music that was important to Mastroianni and testimonies by his friends and the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, Cissy Petty, vice president for student affairs and the Rev. Gregg Grovenburg, S.J., university minister.

Four candles were lit at the front of the chapel to honor the other community members who died this semester: Chance Briant, Kyra Koman, Jon Altschul and Mastroianni.

In his testimony, Wildes said that each of these lives was a gift.

“It is because we have been so blessed that we mourn today,” Wildes said.

After his comments, a student began an a capella performance of The Grateful Dead’s “Broke Down Palace” but was unable to continue, crying.

Petty shared a personal story about grief.

“If you’re still in the screaming freshness of it, please know that you won’t always feel like this, but you will always feel it somewhat like a bruise,” Petty said.

She encouraged students to reach out to their struggling friends and to seek what help they might need. Students seemed to take this to heart as they listened to a recording of “Broke Down Palace,” hugging and shedding tears.

Mastroianni’s friend, John Whyte, physics junior, spoke about his memories with Mastroianni.

“It pains me to know Loyola lost a bright and spirited soul with Julian’s passing, and I know he will be remembered by the good times we had,” Whyte said. “We really
miss you.”

Those attending then listened to Paramore’s “Brighter,” a song that was precious to Mastroianni.

Gabby Buzaid, English sophomore and another of Mastroianni’s friends, described Mastroianni’s character.

“He was an alternative punk rock star, a distracting goofball who just wanted your mind to wander with his,” Buzaid said.

Grovenburg offered a final reflection and blessing before the memorial ended and attendees remained to comfort one another.