Cardinal Christophe Pierre presides at Gannon University’s Centennial Mass
By Kristine Rilling
11/20/2025
The Diocese of Erie welcomed His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, to preside at the Centennial Mass for Gannon University at St. Peter Cathedral, Erie. As the pope’s personal representative, his presence highlighted the bond between northwest Pennsylvania and Pope Leo XIV, and the role of Catholic higher education in forming students in faith, leadership and service.
Founded in 1925 by Archbishop John Mark Gannon, the university has been a cornerstone of Catholic education for a century. Bishop Lawrence T. Persico, chairperson of the Gannon University Board of Trustees, reflected, “To welcome His Eminence among us is a profound gift. His presence connects our community to the Holy Father and the wider church. As we celebrate 100 years, we give thanks not only for the education Gannon has provided, but also for the way it has strengthened the faith of generations.”
Before the Mass, Cardinal Pierre met with seminarians from St. Mark Seminary, encouraging them in their formation. Father Scott Jabo, rector, called it “a rare opportunity for our seminarians to speak with a cardinal who regularly interacts with the pope… His message was both inspirational and encouraging.”
The Mass, held Sept. 14, filled the cathedral with students, alumni and faculty. An extraordinary choir lifted voices in praise, joined by Gannon President Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., and former president Keith Taylor, Ph.D. Concelebrating bishops included Larry J. Kulick of Greensburg and Edward M. Lohse of Kalamazoo.
In his homily, Cardinal Pierre spoke of the Exaltation of the Cross as a source of hope and reflected on the Eucharist as Christ’s living presence. “This 100th anniversary is a time to remember the works of the Lord, and to allow gratitude … to inspire faith today and hope for the future,” he said.
>> View photos of the Centennial Mass
Messages from Cardinal Pierre During his historic visit to Erie, Cardinal Christophe Pierre sat down with Faith magazine and Gannon University to reflect on Catholic higher education, community and the enduring mission of faith. On Catholic Higher Education “We have a huge and beautiful tradition, but time is changing. We must respond to new challenges so that Catholic universities remain places of education and evangelization.” On Gannon as a Diocesan University “It doesn’t depend only on the bishop or the priests—it is a responsibility for the whole community to support and preserve this treasure. The quality of education is motivated by our faith and by the message of the Gospel.” On Catholic Identity “I think students should find an institution that has a strong sense of community. That’s very important. I also believe the people in charge of the institution should be aware of their responsibility—not just to the students and the community, but also to the church. The faculty should support the mission of this kind of university, which includes both education and evangelization.” On the Eucharist “The Eucharist is essential — it is Christ’s presence in our lives. But Catholic identity must be visible in the witness of leadership, professors and daily life on campus.” On Building Bridges “Pope Francis said, ‘Don’t build walls, build bridges.’ Catholic education must give people the tools to live their faith in today’s changing, globalized world.” On a Global Perspective “You cannot avoid living in this world. I think that's very important, and the purpose of Catholic education is precisely to give people the tools to discern how to live their values, their faith and their personal lives — to grow within this different world.” On the Gospel “Our message —the mission of the Gospel, the mission of Jesus Christ — is precisely to help us live a permanent conversion. Instead of rejecting others, we are called to receive them, to live with them, and to create a community that helps the world to be more beautiful.” |
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