Our concern for the dignity of every human being as God’s cherished child directs our care to victims of every injury: prejudice, famine, warfare, ignorance, infidelity, abuse, natural calamity….Our mission sends us across borders of every sort. Often we must make ourselves at home among more than one people or culture, reminding us again that the farther we go in giving the more we stand to receive. Our broader experience allows both the appreciation and the critique of every culture and the disclosure that no culture of this world can be our abiding home.
“Constitution on Mission.” Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross
On October 27, in response to Pope Francis’s call for a day of prayer and fasting for peace, Campus Ministry offered Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice followed by a time of Adoration and silent prayer. As the war in Israel and Gaza continues unabated, bringing horrendous loss of life and devastation, our UP community continues to need opportunities for prayer and reflection. In our Catholic tradition, prayer is efficacious not only in converting hearts but in promoting solidarity and compassion with those most vulnerable to the evils of war.
Beginning November 22 and continuing each Wednesday until December 6, the Chapel of Christ the Teacher will be arranged between the hours of 1-3 p.m. to provide this space of prayer and solace to all members of our UP community. Meditative music, lighting, a visual focus, and reflection guides for personal prayer will be provided. On December 6, this time of prayer will conclude with a prayer service in the University Peace Garden at 3 p.m. The University’s Committee on Catholic Mission & Identity conceived of this initiative with the support of the Offices of the President and Provost.
In addition to this opportunity for prayer, the University commits, through our Holy Cross mission, to dialogue and study on issues of peace, justice, and human dignity as expressed in our Common Core and Academic Programs. Faculty and students have the classroom as an important resource for respectful discussion, mutual support, and probing exploration of the critical issues of our day. Help is available for all community members who may be struggling. Students may contact the Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, or Division of Student Affairs. Employees may contact Human Resources and/or their supervisor to learn more about University-provided resources.