Loyola cancelled 11 a.m. classes Thursday, Sept. 8, for an almost 500-year-old Jesuit tradition–the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The mass took place Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in Holy Name of Jesus Church.

Despite the event’s religious affiliation, the atmosphere welcomed all communities. Many students attended and sat with campus groups in which they were involved like Greek life and sports teams.

The mass opened with what’s become a Loyola tradition: Wolf Pack athletes walked approximately 200 yards of bright red fabric from behind the altar to encircle the congregation. The fabric represented The Holy Spirit embracing the community.

Following the ribbon, ballet dancers leaped down the center aisle while orchestra members and singers raised their instruments and voices in reverence. A representative from each college processed after the dancers, carrying the banner of their respective college, followed by a crucifix and seven Jesuit priests.

Amy Watkins, marketing junior, has attended every Mass of The Holy Spirit since her freshman year and appreciated the service’s emphasis on diversity.

Interim Chief Diversity Officer Liv Newman read the first reading, on wisdom.

“I do think Liv Newman speaking was interesting,” Watkins said. “Also, [administrators] appointing someone in that position, I think it’s sort of a beginning step for Loyola.”

For some, the Mass was more than a religious ceremony. It was a time for the Loyola community to come together as one.

Jordan Lassiter, graphic design freshman, said Thursday’s Mass was more inclusive than those he has attended in the past at other Jesuit schools.

“I’ve been to plenty of Masses of the Holy Spirit, yet the Mass here focused on bringing everyone in,” Lassiter said. “It was more focused on seeking justice and what’s right in the world.”

Lassiter said he felt empowered and ready to be the change the world needs.

After Newman’s reading, the Rev. Greg Waldrop, S.J. presented his homily, illustrating a passion for love, hope and truth in the upcoming academic year.

“At this Jesuit university, in the chapel, in the lecture hall, in the chemistry lab, in a courtside huddle, without embarrassment and often implicitly, threaded through all the many matters that occupy us in this educational venture, love comes first, compassion comes first, justice comes first,” Waldrop said.

Waldrop also emphasized the university’s pursuit of truth, which he said was a search that would never end.

“It’s the truth that is never satisfied,” he added. “Always striving, probing, clarifying, which in our best moments here in this academic community characterizes our work and our creativity.”