Cardinal Christophe Pierre presides at Gannon University’s Centennial Mass
By Kristine Rilling09/16/2025
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 Saint Peter Cathedral, Erie. As the main celebrant and homilist, His Eminence marked an historic moment for the university and the Diocese of Erie.
As the personal representative of the Holy Father, Cardinal Pierre’s presence at Mass underscores the special bond between the Catholic Church in northwest Pennsylvania and Pope Leo XIV. His visit is a reminder that the mission of Catholic higher education is closely tied to the universal church and its call to form students in faith, leadership and service.
Appointed nuncio to the United States in 2016, Cardinal Pierre has spent decades serving the church across the world as a diplomat and shepherd. Known for his deep pastoral heart and global perspective, he brings the encouragement of the pope directly to the people of the Diocese of Erie during this significant anniversary celebration.
Founded in 1925 by Archbishop John Mark Gannon, Gannon University – a Catholic, diocesan university – has been a cornerstone of Catholic education in Erie for one hundred years. Before the Cardinal’s visit, The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie, reflected on the significance of this experience for both the university and the entire Diocese of Erie.
“To welcome His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre among us is a profound gift for the people of the Diocese of Erie. His presence connects our Catholic community directly to the Holy Father and to the wider church,” said Bishop Persico. “As we celebrate Gannon’s one-hundred years, we give thanks not only for the education and opportunities it has provided, but also for the way it has strengthened the faith of generations of Catholics. This Centennial Mass is a reminder that together, as one diocesan family, we share in the universal mission of the church.”
The morning before the Centennial Mass, His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre spent time with the seminarians from St. Mark Seminary who are attending Gannon University as part of their formation and education. He offered encouragement and listened to their experiences as they discern their vocations and continue in formation.
Regarding the meeting, Father Scott Jabo, Vocation Director for Priestly Vocations and Rector of St. Mark Seminary, said, “This was a very kind and generous pastoral gesture from His Eminence Cardinal Pierre. This meeting was an opportunity for him to visit with our seminarians and to witness the good work being done in forming young people in faith. It also gave the seminarians a rare opportunity and privilege to have a conversation with a cardinal who participated in the recent papal conclave and who regularly interacts with the pope and is very active on the world scene for the Catholic Church. His message to us was both inspirational and encouraging. We were truly honored to welcome him and are grateful that he shared this time with us.”
The Centennial Mass, held on a warm fall day on Sept. 14, was a moment of beauty and reverence. The church was filled with students, faculty and alumni, their presence a living testament to the impact of Catholic higher education over the past century. An extraordinary choir, composed of students and community members, lifted voices in praise, their harmonies filling the sacred space with a spirit of joy. Among those gathered were Gannon University President Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., attended with his wife, Dr. Mary Iwanenko, and their family. Also present was former President Keith Taylor, Ph.D. Each presidents’ leadership has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s mission and growth. The presence of both underscored the continuity of vision that has guided Gannon through its first hundred years.
Joining His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre for the liturgy was The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie, along with two visiting bishops: The Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, Bishop of Altoona–Johnstown, and The Most Rev. Edward M. Lohse, Bishop of Kalamazoo and former Vicar General of the Diocese of Erie, along with several concelebrating diocesan priests. Both visiting bishops are proud alumni of Gannon University, having graduated in 1977 and 1984, respectively. Cardinal Pierre addressed each Bishop, thanking them for their presence, and respectfully referring to the Diocese of Erie’s Bishop Persico as ‘the good bishop’.
During his homily, Cardinal Pierre spoke powerfully about the mission of the church in the modern world and the role of Catholic institutions in forming young people to be witnesses of Christ. He lightheartedly opened with reminding the congregation that Pope Leo himself was a university student in the state of Pennsylvania!
Cardinal Pierre continued to captivate those present. He spoke of the Exaltation of the Cross as a source of redemption and hope: “In this Jubilee Year, we are celebrating the hope that we have in Christ, a hope which ‘does not disappoint.’”
His Eminence also reflected on the Eucharist as a living memory of Christ’s love and sacrifice. Speaking directly to the faithful, Cardinal Pierre engaged the congregation with warmth and conviction, even addressing a few by name. He recognized the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania – the founders of Villa Maria College in 1925 – by acknowledging Sister Mary Drexler, SSJ, VMC ’71, President of SSJ Leadership. He encouraged all present to live their faith with courage and hope.
“This one-hundredth anniversary is a time to remember the works of the Lord, and to allow gratitude for God’s works to inspire faith in his presence today, as well as hope in what he will do in the future,” Cardinal Pierre said.
The centennial celebration highlighted by the presence of the papal nuncio, offered a profound moment of unity – linking the Diocese of Erie, Gannon University and the Holy Father in a shared commitment to faith and education.
View photos here.
This historic visit will be further highlighted in the November issue of Faith magazine, which will feature a collaborative interview with Cardinal Pierre, conducted together with Gannon University, as he reflects on the centennial and the enduring importance of Catholic higher education.
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