Loyola University celebrates 100th

Jesuit Father John W. Padberg delivered the homily April 14 at the Centennial Celebratory Mass honoring the founding of Loyola University New Orleans in 1912. The Mass was followed by a student and alumni picnic and culminated with a fireworks display. In his homily at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Father Padberg said the Gospel of the day – based on the story of “Doubting Thomas” – was particularly appropriate in describing the mission of a Catholic university.

“But the Gospel is not so much about doubt as it is about the peace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, who gives to his apostles life in the Spirit,” said Father Padberg, director of the Institute of Jesuit Sources. He said Loyola had responded well in the last 100 years to the needs of the world, particularly “our thirsts for God. … No one goes to heaven single file.”