Senior Jonas Madison welcomed students and faculty and delivered remarks on Loyola’s first schoolwide reading of Just Mercy by author Bryan Stevenson. Jonas encouraged students, “While our service is commendable, as a member of this community I know that we have the capability to do more than just log hours. We need to get close to the issues that are truly important—and this starts on a small level, within these walls, within our community.”

In his homily, Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, reminded students that the life of beauty, truth and goodness is a process—an invitation. “Every day may you grow more into the beauty that is your life,” he said. “The mission of this school is to invite you and to challenge you to step more completely, more freely, more courageously, more joyfully into that invitation to live into the beauty that is your life. And your life is beautiful. Your life is a gift from God. And what you do with it is how you respond to God’s invitation.”  

After celebrating the Eucharist, choir teacher Mr. Matthew Begale led the choir ensemble in a beautiful reflective hymn. 

To view an HD recording of the Mass, visit the "Masses" section of Loyola's RamblerStream web page.