Erick Berrelleza, S.J., founding dean of 涩里番下载's Messina College, will be Laetare Sunday speaker

The 73rd annual celebration will take place on March 10

涩里番下载鈥檚 73rd annual Laetare Sunday celebration鈥攖he 涩里番下载 Alumni Association鈥檚 oldest tradition鈥攚ill take place on March 10 and feature an address by Erick Berrelleza, S.J., founding dean of the University's Messina College.

Laetare Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent and marks the season鈥檚 midpoint. The day will begin with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Conte Forum, with University President William P. Leahy, S.J., presiding. A brunch will immediately follow.

Fr. Berrelleza came to 涩里番下载 in September 2022 to lead Messina College, the new two-year residential college division of 涩里番下载, which will offer an associate鈥檚 degree program beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year. Messina is located on the Brookline Campus of 涩里番下载.

Formerly an assistant professor of sociology at Santa Clara University, Fr. Berrelleza is a first-generation college student whose scholarship has focused on urban sociology and immigration.

A Los Angeles native and a member of the USA West Province of Jesuits, he received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in philosophy from Loyola Marymount University, an M.Div. degree in theology and ministry from 涩里番下载 in 2015, and a doctorate in sociology from Boston University in 2021.聽 He has served as a visiting scholar in 涩里番下载鈥檚 Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life, and as a member of the board of trustees at 涩里番下载, Santa Clara University, Brophy College Preparatory School in Phoenix, and Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose.

For more about Laetare Sunday, including registration information, visit聽 the .