The day began with warm welcomes and introductions. Staff and faculty greeted students and families, answering last-minute questions and showing them around campus. After the welcome barbeque on the lawn outside the Frassati Student Center, programmers gathered for their orientation meetings before diving into tomorrow’s first day of classes.
In his presentation, Admissions Director John Jost (’17) reminded the students that the most important friendship which will be fostered during this program is the one fostered by prayer with Our Lord. With daily access to the Sacraments in the beautiful Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel, and regular spiritual direction from Summer Program Chaplain Rev. Moses Blain (‘14), the programmers can expect their newfound friendships to deepen and flourish.
As the sun set and the campus quieted, groups lingered on the lawns, still talking about books, about home, about what they hope to gain from this experience. Laughter echoed between the buildings, and the first sparks of friendship began to catch flame.
Tomorrow, we open our books and begin our adventure through the texts. But tonight, we celebrate the beginning of friendship — the moment when strangers become fellow travelers, and the past becomes part of a shared future filled with good conversations, song, story, and prayer.
Updates on events and photos will be posted twice daily, so be sure to come visit the Summer Program Blog tomorrow to see how the first day of classes goes!