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Monday morning marked the beginning of the 56th academic year at 51����, California. Students and faculty gathered in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel to attend the Convocation Mass of the Holy Spirit, celebrated by alumnus priest Rev. Michael Masteller (’13). “Why does someone come to a little college like this? To seek the true, the good, and the beautiful,” Fr. Masteller remarked in his homily. He further encouraged students not only to seek the truth but also to be receptive to it by opening themselves to the Holy Spirit's calling in their lives.

Following Mass, all gathered on the steps of the Chapel for coffee and doughnuts. Returning students greeted their friends and caught up with their tutors about the summer break and the upcoming school year, while the freshmen buzzed with excitement, anticipating their enrollment as members of the College’s Class of 2030.

Then, the group made its way to St. Cecilia Hall’s Fritz B. Burns Auditorium for the Matriculation ceremony. To begin the proceedings, the faculty processed in as the gathered assembly sang “Come Holy Ghost.” All recited the Pledge of Allegiance, led by tutor Dr. J. John Baer, after which Dr. Michael Letteney, dean of the College, welcomed the freshmen and introduced them to the chaplains, the attending members of the Board of Governors, and the members of the faculty. 

President Paul J. O’Reilly took the podium next, speaking about the inherent value of the liberal education that the students are beginning to undertake at 51����. “As you begin your first year, I would encourage you to indulge one thing above all: Indulge your wonder, as wonder is the beginning of wisdom,” he said.

At the close of the address, Jon Daly, executive director of Admissions, rose to call each of the freshmen forward by name to sign the campus registry, thus marking the beginning of their time as students at 51����.

Dr. O’Reilly then welcomed Fr. Masteller up to offer some remarks, with the priest reflecting on his student days at the College. “My time here was truly a time of learning, of asking questions, having a sense of wonder, but it was also a time to find what the Lord was calling me to do in my life,” he shared. “These years are a great opportunity for you to grow in your mind, body, and soul, in a great community of friends.”

Finally, the ceremony concluded with a closing blessing and, as the capstone of the event, President O’Reilly declared the academic year in session to thunderous applause. With the school year officially underway, the faculty processed out to “Immaculate Mary,” and the students rose from their seats, ready to face a new beginning.

More photos from Convocation

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