New School Year Begins!

It was a busy and exciting week on Eye Street, as faculty and students returned to campus for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. 

Gonzaga was honored to welcome Father Joseph Parkes, SJ, Provincial Assistant for Secondary and Pre-secondary Education, as the celebrant of the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Thursday, August 26. Celebrated at Jesuit schools around the world, the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a new school year.

On behalf of the Jesuit Provincial, Fr. Parkes officially missioned Fr. Joseph Lingan, SJ '75 as Gonzaga's new President. "We mission you, Father Lingan, to be the director of this great work," he said, adding that Fr. Lingan is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that Gonzaga remains true to its Jesuit mission and its commitment to an education grounded in academic excellence and spiritual formation.



"Young men, I can tell you honestly," said Father Lingan, "I never, ever would have guessed when I was sitting where you are, when I was a student here at Gonzaga, that I would one day have the honor and privilege of being Gonzaga's President. It is such a honor and a privilege and I hope I serve you and the faculty and staff well. " Here are some great photos of the Mass--the first time the entire school community has gathered in one place since the onset of the pandemic.

Here are some beautiful photos of The Mass of Holy Spirit.

Mass of the Holy Spirit (2021)

In addition, below are photos of other highlights of the week, including the first day back for our teaching faculty, two picnics welcoming freshmen and sophomore families, orientations for all students, and the first day of classes. It was such a joy to have the whole community together again this week. As Father Lingan wrote in a letter to families, "It has been a week that’s seen Eye Street come alive again. We are blessed and grateful."

We hope you enjoy these great photos from an exciting and eventful first week back!

Back to School (2021)
 
Thanks for the Gonzaga Mothers Clube for hosting these wonderful family picnics this week!

Family Picnics (2021)
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