On April 25, 2023, the Jesuit community came together to celebrate the last all-school Mass of the year, specifically the last Mass for the senior class of 2023. Also, April 25th was also the feast day of St. Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark. Finally, this Mass commemorated Jesuit priest Father Wally Sidney, who passed away five days before.
“It was a fun nostalgic experience as I recounted what it was like to attend my first Mass four years ago when I was a freshman and see how things had changed.” – Managing Editor Kevin Babu ’23
Father Pepe Ruiz’s Homily
Father Pepe Ruiz led the last all-school mass of the year and gave a great homily that reflected the theme of the readings and about the end of the year. The first reading was from 1 Peter 5:5-14 and the Gospel was from Mark 16:15-20. Father expanded on Christ’s love in the readings and also talked about Father Wally Sidney, which the Mass was dedicated to.
“I believe that the end of the year mass was very meaningful. Even though it was like a typical Mass, the Mass had a different vibe to it because all the seniors knew it was their last one. Therefore, most of the seniors really savored the moment, feeling like it was somethings special to them.” – Associate Editor Lawrence Jin ’23
Who is St. Mark the Evangelist?
St. Mark is the author of the second gospel, Mark. Mark emphasizes in his Gospel Jesus’ rejection by humanity but demonstrates how Jesus is the Son of God. A winged lion is St. Mark’s symbol because of Mark’s description of John the Baptist as the “voice of one crying out in the desert” (Mark 1:3). St. Mark is known as the patron saint of notaries and lawyers.
“I think it was real wonderful to see all the grades come in unison in the Mass as well as have a big end of a year Mass for a good ending.” – Leo Ramirez ’25
Conclusion
This last Mass of the year brought joy to many students and faculty members as a reminiscent memory of Jesuit’s importance of going to Mass. While the next all-school mass of the year is not until next fall of 2023, this year will be remembered as a great year of the Jesuit community coming together for the importance of Mass.
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