The Santa Clara community marked the beginning of the academic year on Sept. 18 with a celebration of the spirit—and the spirit of team play. Delivering the homily for the Mass of the Holy Spirit, President Paul Locatelli, S.J. ’60 offered meditation upon a painting by artist Herve Gigot, an artist from Benin.
Gigot “imagined a dove hovering over Africa as that Spirit of understanding and peace whose gifts flow down into and among the people,” Locatelli said. And, he said, “Now it’s our turn to heal the broken parts of the world.”
Speaking to thousands of students, faculty, and staff assembled in the Leavey Center for convocation that afternoon, Locatelli underscored that “learning goes hand-in-hand with engaged citizenship.” He also noted the ways in which Santa Clara is increasingly being recognized nationally for achievements in academics and athletics. Convocation this year brought even more to celebrate, since the afternoon included a ceremony retiring the jersey of Steve Nash ’96. SBS