“Go forth and set the world on fire.”

Bishop Nelson Perez celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit with the Walsh Jesuit student body this past Wednesday.  Over a thousand students, faculty and staff filled the Dome in one of the most intimate Masses held at Walsh Jesuit High School.  Since Bishop Perez arrived in the Cleveland Diocese a year ago, people have frequently asked him, "have you been to Walsh Jesuit yet?"  Finally" I am at Walsh Jesuit" as the dome applauded him.
During his homily Bishop Perez asked the students, "What is good about Walsh Jesuit?"  To which a myriad of response flew from the congregation - the choir, the food, the teachers, the Jesuits, our benefactors, service and ministry, the athletes, the artists, the performers and the parents. 

Behind the altar, a banner of red and yellow hues representing fire read, "Go forth and set the world on fire" (St. Ignatius of Loyola).  Ignatius really said it all and "That's why you're here,"  said the Bishop who encouraged the students to use the gifts they've been given wisely by following the advice of St. Ignatius of Loyola.  And to "never" underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit working in you, through you and despite you.         

The Mass of the Holy Spirit is the annual opening liturgy at Walsh Jesuit High School when the Freshman Class and new faculty and staff members are recognized and receive a special blessing.  Bishop Perez acknowledged the Freshman Class who processed in as a group and how the Seniors all sat together and how so much has changed since the Seniors attended their first Mass of the Holy Spirit as Freshmen.       

The Bishop was very generous with his time on Wednesday.  Following Mass, Bishop Perez greeted the students as they exited the Dome.  Afterwards, he  joined a selected group of students for lunch and conversation and was then given a tour of the school by the students.  In between, Bishop Perez granted one of the Pioneer (Walsh Jesuit newspaper) staff writer an interview.  Stay tuned for the next issue of the Pioneer to get more acquainted with our Bishop Nelson Perez.
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