On Wednesday, September 17th, Westwood's Xaverian Brothers High School (Xaverian) welcomed The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston, who presided over the school's annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. The event is a 400-year-old tradition in Catholic schools that marks the beginning of the academic year by giving thanks to God while praying for wisdom, strength, and zeal for the months ahead.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Xaverian's Head of School Dr. Jacob Conca presented Archbishop Henning with an invitation to attend the Xaverian vs. St. John's Prep Thanksgiving football game. He also presented the archbishop with a custom No. 7 Xaverian football jersey, in reference to Archbishop Henning being the seventh archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston.
Dr. Conca's gift to the archbishop was a nod to a past conversation between the two. Earlier this year, Archbishop Henning and Dr. Conca attended a Catholic Schools Week event where they reflected on spiritual leadership and faith, and also found an opportunity to share their mutual affection for football.
Local Catholic community leaders who also attended Xaverian's Mass of the Holy Spirit this included: Reverend Matthew Norwood of Saint Joan of Arc Parish (Westwood); Reverend Wayne Belschener of St. Mary's of the Assumption (Dedham); Reverend Stephen Donohoe of Saint Catherine of Siena School (Norwood); Very Reverend Bryan Parrish of St. Joseph Parish (Needham); and Deacon John Nicholson of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish (Brookline).
Thanks to Xaverian Brothers High School for sharing its news with Westwood Minute.
Updated 10/7/2025 at 3:30 p.m.
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