By Alexis Young
Staff Writer
University Ministries will host Blessing of the Brains this Sunday, Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. in the University Chapel followed by the traditional late-night breakfast in the Hickey Dining Hall at 10 p.m.
This year Blessing of the Brains will also honor Fiesta de Guadalupe, as University Ministries unites with the Latin American Student Organization (LASO).
University Ministries has hosted the Blessing of the Brains since Father Francis Di Spigno, O.F.M. arrived on campus in 2011.
The event is held twice a year, around the time of reading day right before finals week starts.
“It’s just asking God to reassure God’s presence in our life so that we have a clear mind to approach the task that is ahead of us,” Father Francis said. “So whether it is for a final or whatever it is, it’s to allow God’s grace to work within us, not to give us something that we already don’t have.”
Vanessa Hulse, a junior chemistry major, has been to the Blessing of the Brains every semester since coming to St. Bonaventure.
“I enjoy going to the Blessing of the Brains because it’s a way for me to remember that it’s going to be okay and that I already know all the information.” Hulse said, “It’s a way to relax before my finals and stop worrying.”
To celebrate Fiesta de Guadalupe, a huge devotion in the Latino community celebrated on Dec. 12, portions of the mass will be in Spanish.
“It’s so important to have a second language because it’s a window into another culture, and it opens so many windows into the world,” Father Francis said. “It’s a great entrée into another culture and to realize how other people think and basically to get out of ourselves.”
Father Francis said the cross-cultural message of the event is God is with us. For the Latino community, the devotion of Guadalupe stems from the idea that God is with us, as does the Catholic devotion to Mary: God is with us.
The purpose of the Blessing of the Brains is to remind students of the same.
“I’ve never been to the Fiesta de Guadalupe ceremony, but I’m really excited to go,” Hulse said, “It will bring another element into what we usually do. You know, something different.”
Father Francis added the Mass can calm students’ nerves.
“God is with us, don’t be so nervous. Recognize that you’re smart, you’re good, you studied, you worked, you got it and have the ability to put it on a piece of paper,” said Father Francis.
youngam13@bonaventure.edu
