“It was undoubtedly a cool experience, participating in the ‘Serve with Francis Day’,” said baseball senior Eric Scamardella. “Getting a chance to give back to the community is always an opportunity that we take on with pride, knowing that we are making a difference. In this case, doing it in preparation for the Pope’s visit alongside my teammates made it a special experience.”

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Durante mi formación académica he admirado a muchos de mis profesores. Grandes pensadores y aún mejores personas, llenos de pasión por su especialidad. En ese mismo instante descubrí que yo estaba en la misma situación, tenía la oportunidad de desbordar mi pasión por los idiomas, por el arte, por la cultura. Tenía enfrente la opción de analizar las diversas versiones del mundo y de compartirlas y aprender con mis alumnos. Era una aventura, que inclusive el día de hoy, estoy dispuesta a seguir.

Después de los 50 minutos de clase salí corriendo por un café, necesitaba un respiro; sentía el corazón latiéndome a mil por hora. Esa noche me pregunté, ¿cómo puedo hacer una diferencia en la vida de mis alumnos?, ¿cómo puedo ser una buena profesora?, ¿cómo podemos aprender mis alumnos y yo en conjunto? Gracias a la guía de la Dra. Kassen y de mis colegas, he podido descubrir cómo ser mi mejor versión, tanto de mí misma, como profesora.

Crear comunidad es fundamental. La Universidad Católica es como una gran familia, su tamaño mediano, sus clases personalizadas permiten el acercamiento de profesores, alumnos y personal universitario. El mejor ejemplo que puedo darle a mis alumnos soy yo misma. Si yo sigo mis propias reglas, comparto mi fe, los involucro en mis actividades (y me involucro en las suyas), promuevo el servicio y la búsqueda de la verdad, puedo exigir lo mismo.

La visita del Papa Francisco ha servido como una gran mancuerna para generar comunidad. La comunidad de la CUA está dispuesta a servir, a actuar, a aprender y a rezar para recibir a nuestro Santo Padre.

El Papa Francisco, nativo del idioma español, ha destacado que cuando quiere hablar desde el corazón lo hace en español. Con base en ese pensamiento, e impulsada por poner en práctica los conocimientos de español de mis alumnos, hemos escrito nuestra Promesa al Papa Francisco para darle la bienvenida a nuestro hermoso campus. La idea era simple, hablarle al Papa Francisco desde el corazón en su idioma para expresar nuestro compromiso y formar parte de nuestra comunidad. El resultado, sin embargo, fue extraordinario. Mis 36 alumnos escribieron su compromiso y lo compartieron con sus compañeros y conmigo. Fue una experiencia conmovedora y única, que me recordó que cuando las cosas se hacen desde el corazón, con fe y con pasión tocan nuestra alma.

Hoy, no puedo sentirme más orgullosa y emocionada por compartir esta experiencia con mis alumnos, por formar parte de la comunidad de la Universidad Católica de América y por tener la oportunidad de recibir con el corazón al Papa Francisco.

– Patricia G. Díaz Suzarte es alumna de la Maestría en Literatura Hispanas y Culturas y profesora de español 104.

Below, Jessica Lau, a third-year CUA law student, reflects on the work the Columbus School of Law’s Legal Services Society does with the New Orleans Public Defender Office every year. Over the course of a week, law students assist local public defenders in meeting some of the legal needs of their most impoverished clients.

Want to share how you #WalkwithFrancis? Send us a photo via email hidden; JavaScript is requiredor tag your submissions #WalkwithFrancis on Twitter or Instagram. If you are a member of the CUA community, please also send a few short sentences describing the type of service you do (for the Church, in the neighborhood, anywhere) and what #WalkwithFrancis means to you. We will feature some submissions on CUA’s website and social media.

The Archdiocese of Washington also has launched a #WalkwithFrancis pledge campaign, which encourages D.C.-area residents to take a pledge to follow the example of Pope Francis by serving in their community however they can. The pledges will be gathered via social media and on WalkWithFrancis.org. Thousands of the pledges will be compiled into a book that Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and chancellor of Catholic University, will present as a gift to the Holy Father during his visit.

For more information on the archdiocese’s campaign or to make a pledge, go to WalkwithFrancis.org.

President John Garvey joined students at the Franciscan Monastery on Serve with Francis Day.

Approximately 530 people spent the day serving at locations such as Carroll Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Catholic University’s community garden, Archbishop Carroll High School, and the Franciscan Monastery, where University President John Garvey helped with work in the garden.

The day of service was part of the Office of Campus Ministry’s programming tied to Pope Francis’s Sept. 23 visit to the University’s campus. Under the theme “Walk with Francis: Joy of the Gospel,” Campus Ministry is inviting members of the CUA community to “Walk with Francis” through events related to prayer, learning, and service. The events are tied to the Archdiocese of Washington’s #WalkwithFrancis initiative, which encourages D.C.-area residents to take a pledge to follow the example of Pope Francis by serving in their community however they can.

Pope Francis will celebrate Mass on Sept. 23 on the East Portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. During the Mass, Pope Francis will canonize American missionary Blessed Junípero Serra. The congregation will assemble in the area surrounding the steps of the Basilica, including the 3.6-acre University Mall.

Below, Alexis Park, a first-year law student, reflects on the Columbus School of Law’s Community Service Day, which is part of Orientation Week for incoming law students. On Aug. 20, a large number of new students, current students, faculty, and staff fanned out across northeast Washington, D.C., for several hours of service and fellowship. There were opportunities for service at five local sites: St. Anthony Catholic School, Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Carroll Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Ronald McDonald House.

Want to share how you #WalkwithFrancis? Send us a photo via email hidden; JavaScript is requiredor tag your submissions #WalkwithFrancis on Twitter or Instagram. If you are a member of the CUA community, please also send a few short sentences describing the type of service you do (for the Church, in the neighborhood, anywhere) and what #WalkwithFrancis means to you. We will feature some submissions on CUA’s website and social media.

The Archdiocese of Washington also has launched a #WalkwithFrancis pledge campaign, which encourages D.C.-area residents to take a pledge to follow the example of Pope Francis by serving in their community however they can. The pledges will be gathered via social media and on WalkWithFrancis.org. Thousands of the pledges will be compiled into a book that Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and chancellor of Catholic University, will present as a gift to the Holy Father during his visit.

For more information on the archdiocese’s campaign or to make a pledge, go to WalkwithFrancis.org.

The Mass, which took place in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, is held annually at the opening of the school year. This year’s celebrant was Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and University chancellor, who asked God to invoke the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the University community to strengthen and guide students, faculty, and staff throughout the 2015-16 academic year.

In anticipation of Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to the Basilica and the University, Cardinal Wuerl encouraged students to prepare themselves spiritually by working to make a difference in their community.

Faculty members dressed in full academic regalia attend this year’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.

“Pope Francis challenges us to be ‘missionary disciples,’” he said. “We are not bystanders but rather participants in the great human endeavor to make of this world a better place.

“There is a sense in which each one of us has to make that call and anointing in the Holy Spirit our own,” Cardinal Wuerl said. “This is what Pope Francis asks us to do. We are challenged to take the love and mercy of God and share it with others.”

The cardinal encouraged students to use this upcoming academic year to continue spiritual formation and to ask God’s help in living their faith.

“Here at this university, in addition to preparing for a job and a means to a paycheck, we should also accept that we have a deeper calling — to do our part to help make the world just a little better,” he said. “We come together to ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit because we dare to believe we really can make a difference. We are capable of renewing the face of the earth, or at least trying — at least, doing our part with the help of God.”

Following the homily, Cardinal Wuerl conferred the Canonical Mission — the authorization to teach in the name of the Church — to William Daniel of the School of Canon Law.

In his remarks after Mass, University President John Garvey advised students to live the virtue of constancy in their academic, spiritual, and personal lives.

Members of the University community, including Jeanne Garvey, bring up the gifts during the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

“When the alarm goes off at 6 a.m., constancy is the virtue that gets you out of bed in time for Mass, because you are a Christian striving to grow in holiness,” President Garvey said. “It’s the virtue that keeps you in the library when your friends call it a night because you are a scholar determined to excel in your field. It is the virtue that gives you the conviction to opt-out of the hookup culture, because you are a child of God made for love far greater than that.”

Garvey encouraged students to follow Pope Francis’s example of constancy by taking small, concrete steps to follow Christ. Garvey encouraged students to participate in the Archdiocese of Washington’s #WalkwithFrancis initiative by making concrete commitments to pray, serve, and act. Garvey also pledged to participate in the initiative and said he would serve at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Brookland.

“If we call ourselves Christians, we must affirm that fact in our actions,” Garvey said. “This is constancy.”

Following Mass, all students who pledged to participate in the initiative received blue wristbands marked #WalkwithFrancis. In his closing remarks, Cardinal Wuerl noted that if everyone wears the bracelets during the papal Mass on Sept. 23, it will be a visual reminder of the University’s commitment to service and prayer.

President Garvey Pledges to Walk with Francis at Mass of the Holy Spirit from CUA Video on Vimeo.

In his address following communion, University President John Garvey will encourage students to participate in the Archdiocese of Washington’s #WalkwithFrancis campaign. #WalkwithFrancis bracelets will be distributed to all Mass attendees, along with information about the campaign, which calls local Catholics to pray, serve, and act in preparation for Pope Francis’s visit.

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and chancellor of the University, will serve as the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass. As many as 50 priests from the University community will concelebrate the Mass.

The Mass — which draws heavy attendance by students, faculty, and staff — marks the official start of the academic year at Catholic University, a practice that goes back to the universities of medieval Europe. It will be televised live by Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).

University classes will be cancelled from noon to 3:30 p.m. so that students, faculty, and staff may attend.

The events are tied to the Archdiocese of Washington’s #WalkwithFrancis initiative, which encourages D.C.-area residents to take a pledge to follow the example of Pope Francis by serving in their community however they can.

Below are details about the events.

Pray

Tuesday, Sept. 8
8 p.m., The House, Caldwell Hall
House Mass with veneration of a relic of Blessed Junípero Serra
The veneration of a relic is an act of faith that honors the memory of the saint whose intercession is implored.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
5:10 p.m., Caldwell Chapel
Our Lady of Sorrows Mass
This Mass will be offered in Spanish and will include veneration of a relic of Junípero Serra.

Tuesday, Sept. 22
5:10 p.m., Caldwell Chapel
Votive Mass for Our Lady of Mercy
This Mass will be offered in Spanish and will include veneration of a relic of Junípero Serra.

Throughout September
University Prayer Cards
Before Pope Francis’s visit, Campus Ministry will distribute University Pope Francis prayer cards. The Pope Francis Five Finger Prayer serves as a guide for personal prayer before the visit.

Learn

Saturday, Sept. 12
7 p.m., Hartke Theatre
“Joy of Loving” multimedia dance-drama
In this performance, Nrityalaya, a traditional Indian dance company, will showcase Mother Teresa’s legacy of love and compassion for the needy, mercy to the “poorest of the poor,” and devotion to education. Tickets are required.

Wednesday, Sept. 16
10 p.m., The Cellar, Caldwell Hall
Pope Trivia Night
Students will be quizzed about how much they know about Pope Francis. Free food will be available at the event.

Thursday, Sept. 17
3:45 p.m., Monsignor Stephen P. Happel Room, Caldwell Hall
Junípero Serra: Apostle of California
Rev. John T. Ford, C.S.C., professor and coordinator of Hispanic and Latino programs in the School of Theology and Religious Studies, will discuss Serra’s life and the founding of California missions.

Thursday, Sept. 17
5 p.m., Caldwell Auditorium
Follow Francis’s Footsteps: The Pope’s Guide to Modern Life
Faculty from Catholic University will address questions about Pope Francis and the Catholic Church, exploring topics such as poverty, peace, theology, and encyclicals.

Sunday, Sept. 20
6:30 p.m., St. Vincent’s Chapel
Documentary and Discussion: The Francis Effect
Followed by Mass
Rev. Thomas M. Rosica, C.S.B., CEO of Canada’s Catholic TV channel Salt + Light, and Sebastian Gomes, producer for Salt + Light, will lead a discussion and share their documentary The Francis Effect, which takes a critical and in-depth look at how an ancient institution is rapidly changing under the leadership and vision of Pope Francis. Father Rosica will preach at the Mass that will take place at 9 p.m. in St. Vincent’s Chapel.

Serve

Sunday, Sept. 13
9 a.m., Caldwell Auditorium
Serve with Francis Day
This day provides an opportunity for members of the CUA community to serve at sites throughout Brookland and other D.C. neighborhoods. More information can be found here.

Throughout September
Service Opportunities
There are several opportunities throughout September for students to participate in weekly service events. A full listing of service opportunities can be found here.

Throughout September
Office of Campus Ministry, Caldwell Hall
#WalkwithFrancis T-Shirts
Campus Ministry will be selling Walk with Francis T-shirts to commemorate Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to Catholic University, and to raise money to help support CUA’s mission trips.

At least 1,500 shirts will be available in the Campus Ministry office beginning on Thursday, Aug. 27, for $10 each. They were designed by Philip Goolkasian, B.S.Arch./B.C.E. 2013. The text “Walk with Francis” emphasizes that the Mass is not simply a visit by a world dignitary, but that Pope Francis has issued a call to action for people to serve others and live out their faith.

In order to support this call to action and in particular the Pope’s emphasis on honoring the rights of workers, the Office of Campus Ministry has invested more in the production of the T-shirts to ensure they are produced ethically in the United States. The money raised by the sale of the shirts will support the four mission trips planned by Campus Ministry for the upcoming year. Students will travel to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica over Spring Break and to Belize and Jamaica in May after the close of the spring semester.

In the months leading up to the papal visit, CUA has been featuring Walk with Francis stories on its papal website. The University has invited members of the CUA community to share short anecdotes of the service they provide to their Church, neighborhood, or world and what Walk with Francis means to them. Submissions have been featured on the blog and through social media.

The Archdiocese of Washington also has launched a #WalkwithFrancis pledge campaign, which encourages D.C.-area residents to take a pledge to follow the example of Pope Francis by serving in their community however they can. The pledges will be gathered via social media and on WalkWithFrancis.org. Thousands of the pledges will be compiled into a book that Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and chancellor of Catholic University, will present as a gift to the Holy Father during his visit. For more information on the archdiocese’s campaign or to make a pledge, go to WalkwithFrancis.org.