September 16, 2011
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s along with
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of
Brooklyn, welcomed back students, faculty, administrators and
staff with an opening school Mass of the Holy Spirit yesterday at
the University’s Queens campus.
A
special commission and blessing of St. John’s student campus
leaders also took place at the Mass. St. John’s annually holds this
tradition to begin the new academic year, as it stresses the
importance of praying with and supporting students as they begin
their service to the University.
“St. John’s has a great legacy and we are truly blessed as we begin
our 142nd academic year,” said Rev. Harrington, C.M., before an
overflow crowd in St. Thomas More Church. “This legacy is a
commitment to excellence in education in providing our students
with the greatest skills that they can have to succeed in life.
That’s who we are.”
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In addition, Fr. Peter Goldbach, Vincentian priest at St. John’s
celebrated his 100th birthday at the Mass and was lauded for his
service by Rev. Harrington, C.M. with the presentation of the Gold
Medal, the highest honor a non-alumnus can attain from the
University.
“St. John’s is my family,” noted Fr. Goldbach at the end of the
ceremony. “I was surprised and honored to be recognized by Fr.
Harrington and the University at this wonderful celebration.”
Bishop DiMarzio closed with a special message for the community
to culminate the Mass and celebration.
“This University truly represents a great tradition and
Vincentian charism,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “We are so blessed to
have St. John’s in our midst.”
To obtain more information on the opening school mass contact
Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President for Media Relations by
calling (718) 990-6185 or e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.
For information on late breaking news and information regarding
St. John’s visit the University web site at www.stjohns.edu/news.