In a meaningful integration of language study and spiritual formation, Señora Ana Borden’s Spanish IV students recently hosted an all–Spanish-speaking Mass on campus in the Holy Name of Jesus Chapel. Celebrated by Fr. Brown, S.J., the liturgy served as a powerful expression of the mission to form students who are academically prepared, culturally aware, and deeply rooted in their Catholic identity. Spanish III teacher, Señora Hilda M. Fattah, also attended the Mass to witness firsthand the culmination of the students’ commitment and preparation.

Leading up to the celebration, Spanish IV students practiced prayers, readings, and responses entirely in Spanish. Their leadership during the Mass showcased not only their linguistic proficiency but also the confidence that comes from immersive, intentional learning. Through this experience, students encountered the universality of the Catholic Church—a reminder that the faith transcends borders, languages, and cultures.

The student-led readings gave the liturgy particular depth. The first reading, taken from Isaiah, invited the students and faculty into a prophetic vision of peace: “On him will rest the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom and intelligence… He will defend with justice the poor”. This image of harmony—where even “the child will play near the cobra’s den”— echoed the unity and trust embodied by students stepping forward in a new language.

In his homily, Fr. Brown offered a thoughtful reflection on the day’s Gospel, where Jesus, “filled with joy in the Holy Spirit,” praises the Father for revealing divine mysteries not to the learned, but to the humble and open-hearted. Drawing from the Greek word nēpioi, meaning “the little ones” or those “who do not yet speak,” he explained that spiritual understanding begins in receptivity rather than self-assurance.

In Spanish, Fr. Brown connected this directly to the students’ experience in Spanish class: “Aprender el idioma exige la humildad de escuchar primero… Uno se convierte, en cierto sentido, en un no hablante, recibiendo palabras antes de poder formarlas.” Translation: “Learning the language requires the humility to listen first. One becomes, in a sense, a non-speaker, receiving words before being able to form them.”

Fr. Brown reminded the students that Advent itself is “a school of silence,” a season in which the Church waits attentively for the Word made flesh and cultivates the interior quiet needed to hear God’s voice. “Los misterios de Dios no se entregan a un corazón ya lleno de sus propias explicaciones. Se revelan a quienes permanecen ante él en silencio ,” he said—God’s mysteries are revealed to those who make space within themselves to listen.

The Mass also reflected the thoughtful ways Jesuit educators integrate theology into all academic disciplines, offering a lived expression of the spiritual depth embedded in the curriculum. Through Scripture, song, and spoken prayer—all in Spanish—students discovered that language learning is not merely academic; it is a spiritual posture of openness, humility, and joy.

The timing of the Mass added an additional layer of grace, as it took place leading up to a week rich with Marian devotion. Earlier in the week, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, honoring Mary’s conception without sin and reflecting on her unique role in salvation history. Only days later, on December 12, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Across the Americas, the nights preceding this feast are filled with rosaries, Mañanitas sung with mariachi, and midnight Masses on December 11, commemorating Mary’s appearance to St. Juan Diego in 1531, where she spoke to him in his own language and revealed herself as a loving mother to all.

In many ways, the students’ Spanish-language Mass echoed that same Marian tenderness—honoring a Church that meets people where they are, speaks in their language, and invites all into the mystery of God’s love.

The Spanish IV Mass stands as a testament to the dedication of Jesuit’s students and faculty. Through language study enriched by theological reflection, students participated in a liturgy that was intellectually engaging, spiritually nourishing, and pastorally meaningful. Moments like this illuminate Jesuit’s commitment to forming not just men of faith, but men who approach the world with curiosity, compassion, and courage.

The students and faculty would also like to extend special thanks to Elizabeth Rizzo for coordinating the Mass scripture translations, rehearsing with the altar servers, and signing the beautiful liturgical hymns.