Lizzie Swanson ‘28
Chief News Editor
The first day of classes, more warmly known as “FDOC”, began the start of an exciting new semester. Just as students packed their classrooms, many trekked to Mary Chapel to witness the 12th annual Multifaith Community Prayer on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The event welcomed participants from all different backgrounds and faiths, as hosted by the Office of College Chaplains. Stated boldly on the front of the program was a declaration from Pope John Paul II, “The immigrant is not simply a problem to be solved, but a brother or sister to be welcomed.” The prayer service began with a processional song titled “Traditional African American Spiritual” introduced by Cantor, AJ Mann ‘26. Lyrics echoed throughout the chapel, welcoming students and community members alike. “I’ve got peace like a river… I’ve got joy like a fountain… I’ve got love like the ocean in my soul.” Director of the Office of College Chaplains, Marybeth Kearns-Barrett ‘84 welcomed participants and offered a “Sharing of Peace.” Then, selected students from all grade levels processed to the middle of the chapel, declaring their own faiths and lighting a candle to represent them. The diverse variety of traditions was exemplified in the many students honoring their faiths and identities. The following traditions included: Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Unitarian Universalism, Humanism, Agnostics, Seekers, and Questioners, Atheism, Protestant Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, and Catholic Christianity. Representing Islam, Ahmed Afifi ‘29 lit a candle for Muslim students in our community. In a statement to The Spire, Afifi said “As a Muslim at a Catholic school, it was important for me to represent my faith by lighting a candle for Islam. It allowed me to represent Islam in a place where students aren’t familiar with the religion. As a freshman, participating in the Multifaith Celebration helped me feel seen and included. It also gave others the opportunity to learn about the values my faith emphasizes, such as compassion and peace.” When asked why it was important for our community to gather for the event, he continued, stating, “The event encouraged peace by bringing people of different faiths together in an environment of openness and understanding. Listening to different religious leaders and finding a common theme of peace and sympathy helped strengthen the unity and mutual respect within the Holy Cross community.”
After the candle lighting, several religious leaders from our broader Commonwealth community came forward to honor their traditions. Sensei Michael Sokei Herzog from Boundless Way Zen Temple, Worcester represented Buddhism. Dr. Saleem Khanani and Mr. Abdul Hakeem from the Islamic Society of Greater Worcester represented Islam. Holy Cross Chaplain Salena Ibrahim represented Christianity. Dr. Preeta Banerjee, a Chaplain from Tufts University represented Hinduism. Rabbi Aviva Fellman from Congregation Beth Israel represented Judaism. All five faiths either offered scripture or a homily, promoting peace and goodwill. After a musical break, Psalm 146 was read aloud, the response being “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven is theirs!”
SGA Co-Presidents Jackie Bazazi ‘26 and Ben Franzone ‘26 delivered the Litany for Justice and Peace, the response being “Guide us in ways of peace.” Chaplain Marty Kelly then offered a reflection followed by Marybeth Kearns-Barrett who concluded the prayer service by conducting the “Sharing of the Light.” As students held their candles which had been given out at the beginning of the program, they passed around the flame. By the end of the night, each student held in their hand a flame of peace. Following the prayer service was the International food celebration offered in the Gathering Space adjacent to the chapel. Cultural dishes from around the world were sampled as students and community members mingled with one another, eager to learn more about each others’ cultures and the ways in which we can promote peace.
Featured image courtesy of College of the Holy Cross
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