Vatican representative to make historic visit to University of Detroit Mercy

University of Detroit Mercy is welcoming the new academic year — and the celebration of its 150th anniversary in the city of Detroit — with a special Mass celebrated by a representative of the Vatican.

Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, who is the Apostolic Nuncio, or the Vatican’s ambassador to the United States, will say the annual Celebrate Spirit! Mass during this historic visit on Sept. 17.

“Celebrate Spirit! is an important annual tradition at the start of the fall semester,” said Rev. Charles O. Oduke, UDM’s vice president for Mission Integration. “But because we are celebrating our 150th year as an institution we thought we should do something extra special.”

Oduke reached out to the Vatican and was pleased when officials there offered to send Caccia, who is based in Washington, D.C.

Archbishop Caccia’s visit is believed to be the first time a representative of the Vatican has said Mass at the university and officials would like the community to join the historic event.

“The University’s history is intimately intertwined with the history of Detroit,” Oduke said. “This is a celebration of the city’s contribution to the University and the University’s role in the city, not just as an anchor institution, but through the many partnerships and achievements of the University’s alumni.”

The 11:30 a.m. Mass will be held at the Whitty Student Fitness Center on the University’s McNichols Campus at Six Mile and Livernois.

Learn more about the University's yearlong 150th anniversary celebration and Celebrate Spirit!