Torero Tidbits: Founders Chapel Masses; Exhibit Closing; Christmas at The Immaculata

The University of San Diego’s fall semester closes Friday. Final exam week is Dec. 16-20 and final papers, presentations and project due dates have arrived. It’s a busy time right now, but USD and the campus community are also gearing up for a succession of Masses in Founders Chapel to celebrate graduating students, provide holiday cheer for alumni and shine bright lights on Sunday night.

Students completing their academic requirements this semester or during January’s Intersession are considered mid-year graduates at USD. On Friday, Dec. 13, the annual Mid-Year Graduates’ Mass happens at 3 p.m. in Founders Chapel for eligible graduating students and their guests. A reception follows in the Founders Hall foyer and graduates have the opportunity to get pictures taken in graduation regalia in Founders’ French Parlor.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, the traditional Alumni Christmas Mass is at 5 p.m. in Founders Chapel. Come and celebrate the Catholic faith during Advent season. A reception follows Mass with a child-friendly cookie decorating station and holiday beverages such as spiced apple cider and hot chocolate.

We ask that Alumni Mass attendees bring donations, if possible, to support USD students who experience food insecurity. There are more than 100 students registered for pantry and closet access who are in this position and benefit from community donations of food, school and hygiene supplies, and professional clothing. Even if you're not able to bring something to Mass, donations to support the Torero Renaissance Scholars Program, a fund which directly supports the USD Food Pantry and Torero Closet, are welcome.

Sunday night, Dec. 15, at 8 in Founders Chapel is the fall semester Candlelight Mass. This traditional event concludes the Sunday Night Mass offerings at Founders Chapel for the Fall 2019 semester. All participants will receive a candle to light during the mass to come together in community and to pray for all students entering final exam week. The mass is open to all.

One additional note on Founders Chapel services is that it will host daily Mass, Monday through Friday, starting at 12:15 p.m. through Dec. 20. The Chapel’s next services happen in January 2020.

"Christ: Life, Death and Resurrection" Art Exhibition Viewing Extended to Dec. 15

“Christ: Life, Death, and Resurrection,” an exhibit featuring more than 40 original drawings and prints by Italian Renaissance artists — including Michelangelo, Filippo Lippi, and others — from the renowned collection of the British Museum, is at USD’s Hoehn Family Galleries for only a few more days.

The exhibition, held in both gallery rooms within the Founders Hall foyer area, has been on display at USD since Sept. 12’s opening reception event. The exhibit will close on Dec. 15, which is a slight extension from its initial closing date of Dec. 13. The exhibition's hours are noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.. 

The slight extension was done due to record-breaking public interest. The exhibition is one of the most popular art exhibitions in the history of USD’s University Galleries.

When the exhibition arrived in September, it marked the first time that many of these Italian objects were displayed in the United States and served as a unique opportunity to study the rare and beautiful works.

Admission is free and the exhibit is open to the public. 

Christmas Season at The Immaculata

Founders Chapel does not have Christmas Mass due to the fact that USD is on holiday break Dec. 24-Jan. 1, but there’s still Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and other Masses available to attend on the University of San Diego campus.

The famed Immaculata Catholic Church will begin its Christmas celebration with three Christmas Eve Mass times — 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. — on Tuesday, Dec. 24. There will be a Contemporary Choir performance at the first two masses as well as a homily for children and their families at the 4:30 service. A traditional choir performance will happen at the 10 p.m. service. There will be caroling, too, beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Masses on Wednesday, Dec. 25 are at 9 a.m. (Traditional choir) and 11 a.m. (contemporary choir).

Additional Mass offerings at The Immaculata during USD’s holiday break include The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph on Dec. 28 (Vigil Mass, 4:30 p.m.) and Dec. 29 (Masses at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.). On New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, The Immaculata will only have 9 a.m. Mass, in honor of Mary, The Holy Mother of God. For more information about The Immaculata, please visit its website.

— Compiled by Ryan T. Blystone