As hundreds of students, faculty and staff entered Mary Chapel for the College of the Holy Cross’ eighth annual Multifaith Community Prayer, each was handed a candle. The reason why was soon revealed as 12 students representing a variety of religions — from Unitarian Universalism to Jainism to Orthodox Christianity — lit a candle in the center of the chapel before sharing their flame with those sitting around them. As light fanned down each aisle, the chapel was soon illuminated with hundreds of lit candles, a powerful, visual representation of unity and tranquility.
Following welcoming remarks from Marybeth Kearns-Barrett ’84, director of the Office of College Chaplains, invited religious leaders from the Worcester community offered readings from their faiths, sharing texts and songs from Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Judaism.
Here, a handful of students reflect on the meaning and power of hearing their faiths included and celebrated on campus.