On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 7, the Holy Mass for the Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025-2026, the 475th since the foundation of the Roman College, was celebrated at the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles to inaugurate the 2025-2026 Academic Year, the 475th anniversary of the founding of the Roman College. Due to the indisposition of the Rector, the solemn celebration was presided over by the Rev. Father Sunny Kokkaravaralayil S.J., Vice Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University and President of the Mission of the Pontifical Oriental Institute.

In his homily, delivered by the Vice Rector, Fr. Mark Lewis, S.J., offered us a reflection on the cooperation between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and human acceptance, which has its model in Mary. "In each of these movements of the Gospel—invitation/acceptance, obedience to mission, and the fruitfulness of God's power—we find something precious for our 'yes,' our fidelity to our mission, to God's power to work miracles. In this Mass today, we are offered the grace of the Holy Spirit. The Lord can also accomplish great things in us if we accept that grace with obedience. So, in a few moments, each of us will make an act of acceptance of our mission here at the university and devote ourselves to the tasks we have received. It will be welcomed and ratified by our mighty God, and we too will bear much fruit."

• Browse the Photo album
• Read the Rector's Homily