On the afternoon that spring semester classes begin, the chaplain’s office will host its third annual Multifaith Community Prayer to celebrate the rich faith traditions represented at Holy Cross. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to gather and participate on Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. in Mary Chapel.
Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College, will preside at the prayer. Fr. Boroughs will be joined by other faith leaders in the Holy Cross and Worcester community, including Rev. David Dae An Rynick from Boundless Way Zen Buddhist Center; Maleeha Sadozai from the Worcester Islamic Center; Cantor Annalise Ocanto from Congregation Beth Israel; Kolar Kodandapani from the Worcester Hindu community; and Virginia Coakley, assistant chaplain and director of Protestant and ALANA (African-American, Latin American, Asian-American, and Native American heritage) ministries at Holy Cross.
There will also be students representing their respective faiths alongside these faith leaders who will read or sing prayers from their traditions. In addition to these songs and readings, the service will include music led by Paul Melley, assistant chaplain and director of liturgical music, and guided reflection.
“The Holy Cross community has responded to the Multifaith Community Prayer with great enthusiasm and vibrancy since its inception two years ago,” said Marybeth Kearns-Barrett, director of the Office of the College Chaplains at the College. “I believe this is a testament to the desire on campus to create an environment where spiritual growth is fostered for all people and where we grow in appreciation for one another’s spiritual paths.”
The newly founded Interfaith Council, which will offer opportunities for dialogue and multifaith celebrations and involves members of the Holy Cross community of all faith traditions, worked closely with the chaplains’ office in preparing the event. The council hopes to be a vehicle for greater understanding of how people of different faiths can work together for the common good.
A reception will follow in the Loyola Ballroom with food provided by local restaurants.
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Chaplains’ Office to Host Third Annual Multifaith Community Prayer Service
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