Notre Dame students, faculty, staff and priests gathered at the Joyce Center Tuesday to celebrate Mass and the new academic year.
University President Father John Jenkins presided over the Mass, and the Notre Dame Brass Ensemble, Chorale, Folk Choir, Glee Club and Liturgical Choir provided the musical arrangements.
In light of the upcoming beatification of Holy Cross Order founder Father Basil Moreau, Jenkins spoke during his homily about Moreau's contributions to the order, to community service and to education.
"What Notre Dame stands for, its foundation, finds its heart in the man who gave his life to service," Jenkins said, referring to Moreau.
Jenkins dedicated the 2007-08 academic year to the memory of Moreau, and asked for Moreau's intercession at Notre Dame so that "each and every one of us may imitate his spirit, his generosity, and his service."
University Provost Thomas Burish showed a video presentation titled "One Heart, One Soul" near the end of the ceremony, reiterating Moreau's life and influence on Notre Dame.
Burish also emphasized how universities are places of conversation. He spoke of the need to follow Moreau and seek truth through faith.
Moreau was born in 1799 and sent missionaries, including Father Edward Sorin, around the world. Sorin founded Notre Dame in 1842.
Moreau will be beatified in Le Mans, France Sept. 12-16.
Beatification is a step in the Catholic Church's road to sainthood.
