THE MESSENGER The Catholic Newsletter of Xavier University of Louisiana
VOL. 2
Deo Adjuvante Non Timendum
SPRING/SUMMER 2024
XAVIER AWARDS 655 DEGREES Xavier University of Louisiana awarded degrees to 655 graduates at its 97th annual commencement ceremonies this May. The commencement speaker was Deborah H. Telman, J.D., Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and General Counsel with Gilead Sciences, Inc., a global bio-pharmacy company and frequent partner of Xavier University, who offered words of inspiration and advice to the graduates. Rev. Dr. Roy Lee served as celebrant of the Baccalaureate Mass, with several Archdiocesan priests serving as concelebrants. Following the Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, May 10, 2024, Xavier University held its Honors and Awards Ceremony. Continued on page 4
SPIRITUAL RETREAT UPLIFTS SOULS
Xavier University students enjoying their spring spiritual retreat in Covington, Louisiana.
The threatening skies could not dampen the spirits of a group of Xavierites who attended the annual spring spiritual retreat sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry. This year’s spring retreat was held over two days in early March at the Rivers Retreat, a 13-acre retreat center in Covington, Louisiana, nestled along the Little Tchefuncte River. “The retreat offers our students of all faiths an opportunity to engage in prayer, quiet meditation, song and fun activities,” said Lisa McClain, Director of the Office of Campus Ministry. “Each year, we have more students wanting to participate in this student-led spiritual experience. They find it quite uplifting and fun,” she said.