A History of the Interfaith Prayer Gathering at Holy Cross

A History of the Interfaith Prayer Gathering at Holy Cross

The 11th Annual MultiFaith Community Prayer at College of the Holy Cross Embraces Diversity

The College of the Holy Cross community gathered in Mary Chapel on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, for the 11th Annual MultiFaith Community Prayer. This event, now a cherished tradition, brought together individuals from various faiths and backgrounds to promote interfaith understanding.

The service began with a series of prayers led by guest faith leaders, each reflecting their unique tradition. The theme for this year's prayer was "Journeying Together toward a Hope-filled Future," encouraging attendees to reflect on the importance of unity and mutual respect in a diverse world.

After the service, a Reception of Food from around the World took place, where guests had the opportunity to sample tastes of specialties from India, Central America, Southeast Asia, and Greece. This communal sharing of cuisine celebrated cultural diversity and fostered a sense of unity among those in attendance.

The College of the Holy Cross has a long-standing commitment to supporting multifaith prayer services and community involvement initiatives that emphasize interreligious dialogue and multicultural celebrations. Events like the MultiFaith Community Prayer typically take place in venues such as Mary Chapel and are designed to engage students and staff in inclusive spiritual and cultural experiences.

The Chaplains Office, which sponsors the event, is navigating Covid-19 protocols for liturgical services, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. The Office encourages all members of the Holy Cross community to attend the prayer, regardless of faith or belief.

In the past, President Philip Boroughs, S.J, and President Vincent D. Rougeau have offered reflections during the MultiFaith Community Prayer, while Marybeth Kearns-Barrett, the Director of the Office of the College Chaplains, has led the prayer since its inception. The ceremony of Honoring our Traditions involves students lighting twelve candles representing different faiths, enlivening the day with a joyful drum circle, and taking active roles in music, singing with the choir, and acting as ministers of hospitality.

For more detailed information about the 11th Annual MultiFaith Community Prayer, including the guest faith leaders and the exact theme for this year, it is recommended to check official College of the Holy Cross news releases or event pages closer to the event date. Alternatively, updates can be found on the College's chaplaincy social media or official website event posts. This year's event was covered by William McHale '26, the Features Editor, and Jocelyn Buggy '22, the Chief News Editor, for the College's news outlet.

1. The College of the Holy Cross, known for its commitment to the arts, also emphasizes the importance of community cohesion through events like the MultiFaith Community Prayer.
2. Following the prayer service, students and staff engaged in a lively discussion, exploring the role of diversity in creating a hope-filled future, a topic central to contemporary lifestyle debates.
3. The annual prayer event offers opportunities for fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts to showcase their cultural attire, as attendees gather to celebrate their unique traditions.
4. Over the years, the college has welcomed an array of guest speakers, including educational leaders and career-development experts, who have shared insights on themes ranging from sustainable living to goal-setting and skills-training.
5. During the event, students and community members participated in sports activities, promoting healthy relationships and personal growth through teamwork and competition.
6. For those interested in topics such as weather patterns and climate change, the community was invited to discuss their concerns with experts who gave informative talks on this critical issue, aligning with the college's focus on mindfulness and environmental responsibility.
7. In the spirit of career development, job-search workshops were organized around the MultiFaith Community Prayer gathering, offering students advice on job-search strategies and resume preparation.
8. The event also offered a chance for the community to explore various forms of entertainment, with music performances, dance acts, and even sports-betting simulations showcasing the vibrant culture on campus.
9. The college's upkeep of traditional family dynamics was highlighted in sessions that encouraged open discussion about family relationships and home-and-garden matters, promoting a supportive community environment for growth and development.
10. In addition to the MultiFaith Community Prayer, the college features a wide range of events related to travel, giving students the chance to learn about different cultures and expand their horizons.
11. For adventure-seekers, the college campus hosts a dynamic car show each year, with a variety of sleek, vintage, and innovative automobiles on display for attendees to admire, coinciding with the college's emphasis on innovation and progress.

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