It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Bonaventure. Snow and carols usher in the much-anticipated end of the semester, but
one obstacle stands in the way of students’ holiday celebrations — final exams.
Finals bring high-stress and anxiety to the usually joyful Christmas season. University Ministries hopes to calm students’ nerves at the Blessing of the Brains at Christmas Mass Dec. 9 at 9 p. m.
“I just remember from my own college days, it’s high anxiety,” said Father Francis Di Spigno,
O.F.M. and director of University Ministries. “Other campuses were doing (the blessing), and I thought it was a great idea, so I introduced it last year. I thought it was a great way to catch people’s attention.”
Father Francis presided over a Blessing of the Brains ceremony at the end of the fall and spring semesters last year. Even though it was its inaugural year, Father Francis said he thought many attended the ceremonies. This year, Father Francis said he hopes to have an even larger student turn out.
“We didn’t have all 2,000 students, but it would be great if we could,” Father Francis said. “Everybody is welcome, whether you’re Catholic or not. Who doesn’t want a little extra assurance when you go into finals? ”
Especially in the context of the Christmas season, Father Francis said it is essential to remember exams are not the most important thing in life. There are always bigger issues or matters in life, Francis said.
“I think (Christmas) is just a great time for people just to stop because anxiety typically produces more anxiety,” he said. “And you stop and you remember there are other things that are more important in life, or also as important in life. And one of them I think is to remember that the semester
doesn’t define me.”
During the mass, students will proceed to the front of the chapel to receive their blessing. On the way back to their seats, each student will be handed a lit candle to hold for the remainder of Mass. The candle symbolizes both the blessing and Christmastime, according to Father Francis.
linsenka10@bonaventure.edu
