Gannon University celebrated its homecoming and centennial anniversary with a special mass on Sunday morning.


The celebrant and homilist was His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.
According to Bishop Lawrence Perisco, "It's quite an honor, not only for Gannon, but for the entire diocese, because it's basically like having the Pope being here."


According to Bishop Perisco, the Cardinal serves as a liaison between the Holy Father and the United States, "A nuncio is the Pope's representative to the government and people of the United States as well as to the church, so he is a diplomat."


This was the Cardinal's first time to Erie which was significant given that he was not here for a new appointment of a bishop, but to celebrate an anniversary.
"It's a very pastoral thing, because it is not the appointment of a new bishop. It's not a major or ecclesiastical affair with the government involved, but it's simply, a university, a Catholic University that's celebrating 100 years and he wants to be here for that. And that's quite an occasion for us", explained Bishop Perisco.


His visit was important to both the Gannon community and to the Diocese of Erie. Fr. Michael Kesicki, Gannon University's Chaplin said, "The Cardinal's presence dignifies the celebration by bringing us together in the larger communion of the Catholic Church, as an academic community, committed to faith and reason and in service and justice."


Fr. Kesicki said this was also an incredible opportunity for people to celebrate mass with a Cardinal, "It highlights the great leadership of Bishop Perisco and the great leadership of Gannon University and most of all it's just an honor for our students who come from all over the world, that he wants to be with us and honor them in their pursuit of truth and finding their vocation."

There was a reception following the mass for Cardinal Pierre. Anniversary celebrations for Gannon University will continue through the year.