The Eucharist for the Inauguration of the Academic Year 2023-2024 will be celebrated on Wednesday 4 October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy. The Mass will begin at 4:30 p.m., at the Church of St. Ignatius in Campo Marzio, and will be presided over by Fr. Mark Lewis S.J., Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University. All priests who wish may concelebrate, bringing with them a surplice and white stole.

In order to allow the entire university community to attend, afternoon classes will be suspended, and the offices and the Library will end their service to the public from 4:00 p.m.

The solemn liturgy, animated by the Almo Collegio Capranica, will open with the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the singing of the hymn Veni Creator Spiritus. The celebration will conclude with the Inaugural address by the Rector and the opening formula of the 473rd academic year since the foundation of the Roman College.

After the Mass, refreshments will be offered in the atrium of the Pontifical Gregorian University.