Mercy Events

Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, September 24

The SXU celebration of this feast at the Chicago Campus will include a call to hospitality and service, as student organization leaders, faculty, staff, alumni, Sister of Mercy sponsors, trustees and university administration symbolize their commitment to hospitality and service by ringing The Academy Bell. This ceremony is followed by the Mass of the Holy Spirit and a campus-wide reception.

Mercy Day Heritage Walk

In addition, the Sisters of Mercy will “person” the Mercy Heritage Walk in front of McDonough Chapel throughout Mercy Day. While serving ice cream treats to members of the campus community, the Sisters will be available to swap stories about SXU with students, faculty, and staff.

Prayer & Reflection

At the Orland Park Campus, a prayer service will invite the community to pray and to reflect on the University’s Mercy heritage. Refreshments will also be served to celebrate this Feast of Our Lady of Mercy.

Founder’s Day: The Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, December 3.

The Feast of Saint Francis Xavier marks the celebration of the founding of the University. Named after two prominent figures in the history of the Catholic Church, the Jesuit missionary and Saint, Francis Xavier, and the American Founder of the Sisters of Mercy Mother Frances Warde, SXU will celebrate this Feast Day with a premiere performance of a musical composition written by renowned composer Stephen Paulus.

Musical Celebration

Commissioned expressly for SXU and for this feast day, this musical composition, based on the motto of the shield of the University that is drawn from Jesus’ Last Discourse -- Via, Veritas, Vita” -- “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” this composition will complement liturgies, prayer opportunities, and celebrations that will take place at both the Chicago and Orland Park Campuses.

More more information on Mercy Events, please e-mail mareska@sxu.edu.