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.
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