A Procession Of 70 Jesuits In 2009

It was a ceremony steeped in tradition, medieval flare and warm humor.The inauguration of Michael Engh, S.J., was a chance to take time to stop and reflect on the Jesuit tradition, and Engh was surrounded by friends, family and supporters during his historic two-day inauguration event. Last Thursday's Mass began with the procession of about 70 Jesuits, dressed in white, into the Mission church.

The Santa Clara Mission Choir stood to the left of the altar, and the Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose, Patrick McGrath, in the middle. Candles dimly lit the background.

Engh chose the readings for the Mass, which included 1 Corinthians 12:3-13 and John 14:23-29. The Mass said was the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which is often used for the start of an academic term, wrote Jack Treacy, S.J., in an e-mail. John McGarry, S.J., the provincial of the California Province of the Society of Jesus, gave the homily. "This is a rare opportunity," he said. "We can look back with pride on accomplishments."

He called the inauguration a season of new life. "This is indeed a time of change and opportunity." A frontier theme was repeated throughout the Mass -- perhaps a tribute to Engh's book, "Frontier Faiths: Church, Temple and Synagogue in Los Angeles," published in 1992,

as well as his studies of the American West. "We are here today because the Jesuits came to the frontier," McGarry said. "Where is the frontier at Santa Clara today? Where is the frontier, Mike? You don't need to answer that." During the Eucharist, a chalice from the Mission era was used. Two other chalices from the Airey family --

Engh's mother's family -- and the Engh family. "Way back when I was ordained a bishop, I was always told the Bishop should have the last say, but at a Jesuit celebration, that is impossible," McGrath quipped to laughter from the audience.

He then discussed the deep connection between the Silicon Valley and the Jesuit tradition and thanked the Jesuits for what has been done in this area. The banter between the Bishop and the Jesuits continued when Engh said, "Your predecessor gave us a dilapidated mission. We've done the best we could with what we have."

This comment brought laughter and applause from the audience. Jim Purcell, vice president for University Relations, said he thought the Mass was fantastic.

He said he enjoyed the "wonderful ad-libbed remarks" between the Bishop and Engh.
Faculty, staff, students and community members enjoyed food and drinks in Mission Gardens after the Mass. Engh's parents, Marie and Donald, said they were happy to be present at the events and proud of their eldest son. On the breezy Thursday evening, they shared childhood memories of Engh. "He was a pretty good kid," his mother said, later joking, "He had one fault: He wanted to be a Franciscan."

Engh, the oldest of six children, grew up in Los Angeles and attended Loyola Maramount University. His parents, who still live in Los Angeles, agreed they loved it when he told them he wanted to become a priest.

His father, who looks very similar to Engh, said growing up Engh was "very quiet, but very thoughtful."

He continued, "It's really nice to have him for a son. We're happy to see where's gotten." His mother smiled and said, "We miss him. We love him, too." Later that night at the President's Club dinner, Engh took the stage. He asked the audience to excuse him if he started "going into L.A.-speak and sounding like an Oscar-winner," as the crowd laughed.

Speaking with natural poise, Engh relayed the story of when he was asked to be president of Santa Clara. "My parents said, 'Good school, great school. Don't blow it.'"

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