Gathering of Prayers Across Varied Religious Traditions

News Article: College of the Holy Cross Kicks Off the Year with a Multi-Faith Event

As students return to College of the Holy Cross this week, they were welcomed with an event that celebrated the diverse religious landscape on campus. The Multi-Faith prayer event, held on September 5, provided a platform for various faith traditions to come together and share their beliefs.

Alex Kanya '22, in his piece "Many Faiths, One Community", discussed the shifting world landscape and the inherent frightening nature of chaos threatening the established order. Yet, this event served as a reminder that even in a chaotic world, unity and understanding can still be found.

The prayer event featured readings, prayers, and performances from various faith traditions, each contributing to a harmonious atmosphere. The student leaders of the music ensemble during the ceremony were Erika De Leon, Aisling Rogers, and Grace Chay. Each attendee was also given a candle, symbolising the light of unity that was present in the room.

Following the prayer event, an international dinner was held in the Loyola Ballroom. The menu featured dishes from around the world, such as spring rolls and crab rangoon, allowing students to sample cuisine from different cultures. Patrick Ryan '27, who attended the event, found it valuable and expressed his desire to try more dishes from various cultures.

The event also included a Study Abroad Browsing Session, where students could learn about the opportunities related to the study abroad programs offered by the College of the Holy Cross. This session took place at the Hive of the Prior Performing Arts Center.

Stacey Kaliabakos '23, who intentionally sought out a school that would provide her with an environment for intellectual and spiritual growth, also shared her experience at Holy Cross. In her piece, "The Experience of a Non-Catholic at Holy Cross", she discussed her journey as a non-Catholic student at a Catholic institution.

The Multi-Faith Prayer event was a significant success and left students yearning for more events that celebrate diversity and unity. Patrick Ryan '27, who found the event valuable, expressed his hope for more such events in the future. The College of the Holy Cross continues to be a place where students from all faiths can come together and learn from each other.