Catholic University's Mass of the Holy Spirit will be telecast live on EWTN-TV on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 12:10 p.m. The Mass, which will be celebrated in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Following the homily, Archbishop Wuerl will present two faculty members with the canonical mission - Rev. James Brent, O.P., from the School of Philosophy, and Sister Margaret Schreiber, O.P., from the School of Theology and Religious Studies. The canonical mission is the obligation to teach in the name of the Church, given to members of the university's ecclesiastical faculties.

"The Mass of the Holy Spirit can be traced back hundreds of years to the universities of medieval Europe," says John Garvey, Catholic University's president. "For The Catholic University of America, as for other Catholic colleges and universities in the U.S., the Mass marks the solemn beginning of the academic year. It is an occasion for us as a university community to ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of wisdom and it is a public affirmation of our conviction that faith and reason, working together, lead us to fulfillment."

CUA's Mass of the Holy Spirit draws heavy attendance by students, faculty and staff, as well as members of religious houses that are near the university. It has grown so large in recent years that it was moved from the Crypt Church of the Basilica to its Great Upper Church, which can seat up to 3,500. Last year, the upper church was filled for the university Mass.

Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington and chancellor of CUA, will be the main celebrant of the Mass and will deliver the homily. CUA President Garvey will address the congregation following Communion.