Bethlehem University gathered on Thursday, 24 September 2026, for the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a longstanding tradition marking the beginning of a new academic year.

The Mass was celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine and Chancellor of Bethlehem University. He was warmly welcomed by Brother Hernán Santos, FSC, President of Bethlehem University, who joined the celebration alongside the De La Salle Christian Brothers, University administration, faculty, staff, and students.

The celebration was also attended by Msgr. Nicola Di Ponzio, Deputy Head of Mission of the Apostolic Delegation in Jerusalem and Palestine, Father Filippo Morlacchi, and other priests who joined the University community for the Mass.

The annual celebration is an opportunity for the University community to give thanks for the new academic year and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the year ahead. It reflects Bethlehem University’s Catholic identity and its commitment to an education rooted in faith, community, and service.

Gathered together in prayer, the University community began the 2026–2027 academic year with a renewed sense of purpose, asking for wisdom and guidance for the year ahead.

The celebration also marked Archbishop Lingua’s first official visit to Bethlehem University since his appointment as Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine and Chancellor of Bethlehem University by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit continues a cherished University tradition, bringing the Bethlehem University community together at the beginning of each academic year to celebrate its shared mission and look ahead to the year to come.