Creighton hosted its 10th Annual Interfaith Prayer Service with the theme of “Expanding Perspectives.” The event featured students from various religious affiliations with representatives for Christianity, Diné, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism.
The service began with a welcoming statement followed by a land acknowledgment of the history of the native territory that Creighton now sits on. The leaders processed in with candles and proceeded to each share a prayer from their faith tradition.
Two Creighton students along with a synagogue cantor led the Jewish prayers, beginning with the playing of the Shofar (ram’s horn). Following their reading from the Torah and prayers, Toya Brady led the prayers and sage ritual for the Diné tradition, a native American faith.
“During this spiritual cleansing, gather your thoughts,” Brady said as she lead the sage ritual meant to heal.
Christianity was represented through a Gospel reading and singing of “Open My Eyes.”
During the Buddhism prayer, attendees were instructed to hold their palms together and bow their heads.
“May we all attain perfect peace,” Olivia Dishno said as she led the prayers.
The final two faiths shared during the service were Sikhism and Hinduism, both said in the languages of those religions. In the Hindu prayer, representative Binaya Joshi rang bells to clear negativity and bad intentions.
Ending the service was the ceremony of light, where everyone had a candle and a flame was passed around, connecting the community.
“It was beautiful to be able to see the light spreading and being shared throughout the community,” freshman attendee Kathryn McGovern said.
The many members of the student body and staff at Creighton had a positive experience learning about the different faiths represented at the university.
“I learned that Creighton has a lot of different students come from different faith backgrounds,” junior attendee Patrick Grindley said.
Overall, the experience allowed members of the Creighton community the opportunity to learn from and experience the many religions that students practice on campus.