What does it mean to college students when the local bishop visits campus during Lent to meet, dine, talk, and offer Holy Mass for them? We asked that very question to some of the young scholars at Hillsdale College who were graced with a visit by Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing, March 2.
“It was wonderful to have the bishop in town and a special honor to serve Mass for him,” said English major David Brecount. “At such a close perspective, it is evident that the bishop cares deeply for each soul he comes across. We would love to have him come back!”
All in all, Bishop Boyea spent over four hours as a guest of the students of the Catholic Society at Hillsdale College. During that time, he was given a tour of the campus; dined with students in the college dining hall; held a Q&A with students; and, most importantly, offered Holy Mass in the college’s Christ Chapel. The chapel, designed by Catholic architect Duncan Stroik, draws inspiration from the 18th-century neoclassical St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London.
“To have a bishop who takes such special attention to connect with all parts of his diocese, especially college students, is a tremendous blessing,” said English major Jonathan Williams. “I'm incredibly grateful that he opened the floor to one-on-one questions as he is a man of such deep devotion and wisdom.”
Hillsdale College is a private liberal arts college in Hillsdale County, Michigan. Founded in 1844 by members of the Free Will Baptists, it currently enrolls just over 1,500 undergraduate students. Recent years have seen a notable number of students and faculty convert to Catholicism. This year, 33 Easter converts are expected at the local Saint Anthony parish, many of whom are college students.
“The Mass with Bishop Boyea reminded me of why I became Catholic,” said mathematics major Ella Nix, who was received into the Church in 2024. “Being surrounded by so many families in a beautiful chapel to hear Bishop Boyea’s homily encouraging us to welcome those coming into the Church this Easter was inspiring.”
* Photographs courtesy of Max Cote
