August 29, 2006

Carlow University's mission calls us to renew the face of the earth through knowledge and service. Knowledge is both an end in itself, and a means to improve lives and to provide competent service to others.

Today we begin our academic year by gathering as a community of faith-filled persons to worship our God, the source of all knowledge; to renew the sacrifice and remember the redemptive service of God's Son and our brother, Jesus; and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We thank Bishop Paul Bradley, Diocesan Administrator and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, for leading us in today's Eucharisitic celebration. We thank you, Bishop Bradley, for your presence and for your support of Carlow University as we fulfill our mission as a Catholic University.

We thank Reverend James Wehner, Rector of St. Paul Seminary and Trustee of Carlow University, and Reverend Thomas Burke, Parochial Vicar of our parish church, St. Paul Cathedral, for joining Bishop Bradley as Concelebrants in today's Mass of the Holy Spirit.

Our Eucharistic celebration today recalls stories of our ancestors in faith that continue to shape our lives and to remind us of who we are and whose we are. We remember all those who have gone before us at Carlow University, leading the way or walking with us on our journey. We especially remember our colleague, teacher, mentor and friend, Dr. Craig Johnson, whose example of commitment to the pursuit of truth and to the service of others will continue to inspire us to further the values that were important to him as a member of the Carlow community.

We join the disciples in the Gospel who rejoiced: "Lord, it is good for us to be here!"

I also thank our sponsoring Sisters of Mercy for their gracious hospitality in hosting us in their chapel today, and for their continuing encouragement and support as Carlow University embraces their work of education and service.