It was 7:30 p.m. and juniors and their loved ones packed the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral lobby, umbrellas in hand. Outside the rain fell fast and the temperature was dropping, stepping inside, the warm air of the Cathedral hugged my skin.
Finished in 2017, the cathedral is nothing short of beautiful.
It looked like a castle, covered in red brick and cast stone carved into ornate details – traditional Catholic architecture dating back to the 12th century.
Junior mass is one of Cardinal Gibbons’ most beloved traditions. The junior class gathers for mass every year, followed by the bishop blessing a personal object.
I first heard about Junior Mass when I was a freshman from my friend whose older sister was a junior. I saw the pretty dresses everyone wore, the beautiful backdrop of the cathedral, and the pictures with your parents – both looking so proud.
I couldn’t wait for my turn.
Little did I know, it was even better.
The pews filled up quickly with parents and teachers. Students’ eyes darted across each row, searching for their names. My last name “Leach” led me to the fellow Ls. I found my spot, relieved to see some familiar faces.
Around me were friends, some old and others new – and others complete strangers. We whispered quietly before the mass and worried about tripping as we walked onto the altar.
The mass began as any other mass would, with song. We stood up in unison and I noticed my friend’s voice. During school masses, most people don’t sing and I didn’t either, worried I’d be the only one.
Hearing her sing, made me feel like I could too. I always felt guilty before, remembering my Grandpa’s loud voice in mass and when he’d shoot me a look if I only mouthed the words. Everyone should sing loud and proud when it comes to spreading God’s love.
Fr. Luke gave his sermon and shared this was his third year at Gibbons too – making him a junior. His words tied together the moment: everyone was here together in one singular room.
Soon the mass was over, but Junior Mass was not. Every junior had to be called up one by one to get their chosen object blessed.
Ms. Barkan called every name from A-Z. I watched while my friends walked up to grab their objects and certificates, feeling like a proud mom. In less than a year and a half, we’ll all be back in the same seats to turn over the tassel. Hearing what Junior Mass was like as a freshman felt like a second ago, and I know graduation will come just as fast.
Finally it was my turn, I eyed the slippery marble floor as I walked up. Friends smiled at me warmly and I saw my parents in the front. I waved to my grandpa and he gave me a big thumbs up.
Fr. Luke handed me my little tiny box taped shut with my Grandma’s ring inside. Back in the pew, everyone was trying to open up their objects: family heirlooms, rings, cross necklaces, pictures, and more.
I looked up at the beautiful carved stone ceiling and around at the 430 students that make up my junior class. A wave of relief fell over me and knew God was watching. I knew that one day I’d look back and smile at this moment and I knew it was all going to be okay.
