Pope Leo XIV’s representative to the United States, the papal nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, will be celebrant and homilist for The Catholic University of America’s Sept. 3 Mass for the opening of the academic year.
The Mass of the Holy Spirit, which Catholic colleges and universities have held at the start of the academic year for the past 500 years, draws together students, faculty, and staff to pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit:
Mass of the Holy Spirit
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026
Noon: Faculty process into church
12:10 p.m.: Mass
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20017
The Mass will be broadcast live via Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).
Classes began at Catholic University on Monday, Aug. 31. Classes are canceled during the Mass so students and faculty can attend.