History of the Interfaith Prayer Gathering at Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross, a renowned institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, recently held its 11th Annual MultiFaith Community Prayer event. This prayer gathering, a significant part of the College's experience for many students, aims to promote interfaith dialogue and shared spiritual experiences among diverse faith communities on campus and beyond.
The event, which marks the first day of classes for the Spring Semester, is open to students of every spiritual practice. Participants can expect a diverse range of activities, including lighting candles representing various faiths, leading music, and acting as ministers of hospitality.
The service is led by Marybeth Kearns-Barrett, the Director of the Office of the College Chaplains, and has been supported by both President Philip Boroughs, S.J, and President Vincent D. Rougeau in the past. Faith leaders from Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity will share readings from their scriptures.
The ceremony includes a drum circle and the singing of the African-American Spiritual "I've Got Peace Like a River." The Interfaith Remembrance Service took place at 4 p.m. last Saturday, and the anniversary was celebrated with a Mass in the afternoon that brought together people from the community.
The event also welcomes faith communities from the larger Worcester community, including the Boundless Way Zen Temple, Islamic Society Of Greater Worcester, Worcester Hindu Community, and Congregation Beth Israel. After the service, a Reception of Food from around the world is held, featuring specialties from India, Central America, Southeast Asia, and Greece.
The theme for the 2025 prayer is "Journeying Together toward a Hope-filled Future." This spirit of unity and mutual respect is consistent with the College’s mission and Campus Ministry, which emphasizes welcoming all faith traditions and fostering community without distinction.
Pope Francis, in a similar sentiment, expressed at an interreligious gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia, in September 2024, that we are all brothers and sisters, all pilgrims, all on our way to God, beyond what differentiates us.
The Chaplain's Office is navigating Covid-19 protocols for liturgical services at the College of the Holy Cross. The 11th Annual MultiFaith Community Prayer is scheduled for January 21, 2025, in Mary Chapel. The featured image for this article is courtesy of College of the Holy Cross.
In other College news, the Holy Cross community celebrated the 100th anniversary of St. Joseph Memorial Chapel on the 21st of April. Before COVID-19, hundreds of people would pack into St. Joseph’s Chapel each week.
- The College of the Holy Cross, characteristic of its commitment to a diverse and inclusive community, invites students of all faiths to attend the 11th Annual MultiFaith Community Prayer event, which serves as a prominent tradition in promoting interfaith dialogue.
- As a cornerstone of the College's Campus Ministry, this event is a prime example of the institution's mission to foster unity and mutual respect, embracing diverse faith practices and fostering a welcoming environment.
- News of the event reaches beyond the campus, with faith communities from the wider Worcester community joining in, such as the Boundless Way Zen Temple, Islamic Society Of Greater Worcester, Worcester Hindu Community, and Congregation Beth Israel.
- The Reception of Food from around the world following the service is one of the many features that make this event a unique celebration of cultural diversity, showcasing specialties from India, Central America, Southeast Asia, and Greece.
- For the upcoming 2025 prayer event, the theme is "Journeying Together toward a Hope-filled Future," embodying the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis in Jakarta, Indonesia, in September 2024, that we are all brothers and sisters, pilgrims on a shared path towards God.
