Boston College celebrates 150th Anniversary

BOSTON (AP) -- Thousands of Boston College students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents have gathered at Fenway Park to celebrate a special Mass marking the school's 150th anniversary.

Boston Archdiocese Cardinal Sean O'Malley is presiding over the Saturday afternoon Mass. Boston College President William Leahy is celebrating the service, joined by dozens of other concelebrants -- including about 100 Jesuit and alumni priests and local bishops.

About 20,000 Boston College and Boston College High School students and alumni attended the Mass.

The event formally launches a three-semester celebration that will feature academic symposia, a speakers series, a Founders Day celebration, a student concert and a convocation of leading Catholic college presidents.

The Mass also launches a service program in which each BC student and alumnus will be asked to perform 150 minutes of volunteer community service and other events.