Loyola Catholic student organization, Compass, invited the Most Rev. Gregory Aymond, archbishop of the New Orleans Archdiocese, to attend evening Mass in Ignacious Chapel. Afterwards, he stayed for a small group discussion where he talked about being a Catholic on a college campus.

“The purpose of the archbishop’s visit was to discuss matters concerning the Catholic Church in relation to our lives as college students at Loyola,” said Maria Rossi, Compass president and English senior.

“We opened up an informal Q&A session to allow Compass members and other students to ask the archbishop open questions about the Church, about his own life as a bishop, and any other topics related to God, the church, or faith in general,” she said.

The archbishop talked about life and tips for keeping your faith while in college.

Aymond told students they all continue to grow and learn everyday. He also said it was good to question and doubt some points in church, because humans were given intelligence for a reason.

But the conversation wasn’t only serious. An audience member asked Aymond if he played the Facebook application Priestville, and the archbishop replied that there were too many filters on his computer to even access Facebook.

After listening to their description of the application, Aymond seemed slightly interested in it, especially the indulgences.

“It was really inspiring to have him there and be so genuine and real with us,” said Margaret Liederbach, sociology and economics sophomore.

Other students also said they appreciated the archbishop’s visit.

“It was awesome to get to know someone that high up on a more personal level,” said Jesus Garcia, accounting senior.

“It was good to talk to him and see that he doesn’t get caught up in doctrine and dogma, and that he goes through the same process of spiritual doubt,” said Alex Hall, Spanish and religious studies sophomore.

Chantel Jackson can be reached at [email protected]