There is dignity in the entry to St. Francis Xavier College Church, something in the arching doorways, that points to something greater than ourselves, that reaches into broad spaces and open airs. We go to College Church-regardless of our religious beliefs-to open our minds, to clear our thoughts and our worries.
We go to Mass in this hallowed place to find inspiration and refuge from our studies. Mass holds a special place in our University’s student life. Actually, the Sunday Mass at Saint Louis University is said to be one of the most attended of any university in the country. SLU’s mass is unique to the University, integral to our Jesuit identity and necessary to our greater role in the world.
It is because of this unique part of our identity that we are so affected by the news that Lawrence Biondi, S.J., our University president, wrote only part of the homily that he delivered during Tuesday’s Mass of the Holy Spirit. Because the Mass here is ours so distinctly, we make mention of this fact and take it to heart.
Tuesday’s homily moved us. It was memorable-that is why it was later noticed to have been composed of parts of another given at the University of San Francisco last year.
What is a homily? It is a priest’s interpretation of the Gospel readings, new life breathed into old words to give them weight and application today. The homily is a priest’s opportunity to give veracity to the Word. Through the sincerity of his delivery, Biondi’s words did just that. He delivered his homily beautifully.
However, we are disheartened to know that not all of Father’s words were not his own.
We are of an academic mindset-Tuesday was also the day many of us spent reviewing and signing the University’s Academic Integrity policies for class-but we realize that the homily is not an academic act. This is not a case of unsolicited plagiarism. We understand that the contract between the priest and congregation is different from that of teacher and student; we know that using other priest’s words and stories is a common and accepted practice among Jesuits.
We’re just surprised. When we walk into that church’s entry, none of us suspects that a given homily may not have been written by the presiding priest. We do not expect this, nor do we look for this, but we are disappointed when we find that a priest’s words have been borrowed from another rather than taken from his heart.
That they are from another makes the words no less meaningful. We believe in the truth that Biondi spoke of in his homily. Uni veritas en universitas. Under the vaulting ceilings of College Church, the cadence of Biondi’s voice gives credence to his message. He spoke beautifully. Even if the speech was made of more than his words.
