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Ref lect & Rejoice On the 150th birthday of Saint Peter’s University, Founders’ Week honored Jesuit tradition and the legacy of providing Opportunity for Generations.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C. Ss.R, H ’22, and Rev. Andrew Downing, S.J.
‘I Want What the Peacocks Are Offering’ One hundred fifty years to the day, the Saint Peter’s University and Saint Peter’s Prep communities gathered for a Founders’ Day Mass at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church. The charter from which both institutions descend was established by a Special Act of the Legislature of New Jersey on April 3, 1872. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., H ’22, archbishop of Newark, served as guest celebrant and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from the University. His homily was timely, referencing the men’s basketball team’s inspiring run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, and thought provoking, noting the defeat of powerhouse programs drew worldwide admiration for Saint Peter’s diversity and mission to form men and women for others. “People are saying, ‘I want a piece of what they’ve got. I want what the Peacocks are offering,’” said Cardinal Tobin, noting that people look at how Christians live more than what they say. “And so, thank you Peacocks. For reminding us to walk the talk, so that others will say, ‘I want what He is offering.’” 18
Summer 2022
President of Saint Peter’s Prep and University Trustee Michael Gomez, Ed.D., and President of Saint Peter’s University Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D.
