The University of 91吃瓜 hosted its annual candlelight prayer service Monday (Jan. 26) as part of , a weeklong series of events that invites the 91吃瓜 community to foster a deeper sense of belonging and inclusion, and build the Beloved Community on campus and beyond. This annual observance is rooted in 91吃瓜鈥檚 mission as a Catholic university and in the principles of Catholic social teaching, which call us to live in solidarity with all people, particularly the most vulnerable, and to honor the God-given dignity of every person.
, presided over the evening of prayer and reflection. ., vice president for belonging, engagement and mission and advisor to the president, offered the keynote reflection.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from , rector of the , thanking those in attendance for joining with University leadership in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 鈥渙ne of the great civil rights leaders in the history of our nation, and also a person who was driven deeply by his faith and trust in the Lord.鈥�
Father Dowd, in his opening prayer, appealed for guidance, saying, 鈥淗elp us, we pray, as we look back at the life and words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., so that we may always look forward with determination. May our prayer tonight and throughout this Walk the Walk Week propel us to serve others. May it motivate us. May it energize us. May it unite us in a commitment to respect and admire and learn from what makes each of us unique and beloved and chosen by you, our beloved and merciful God.鈥�
Page, in his remarks, focused on the theme 鈥淟iving, Loving and Thriving Together on the Jericho Road.鈥�
Referencing the Parable of the Good Samaritan, he noted that King took seriously the biblical ideal of 鈥渁gape鈥� 鈥� 鈥渁n outwardly focused, all-encompassing love extended to everyone鈥� 鈥� returning to it again and again in his speeches and writings as a form of what he called 鈥渞edemptive goodwill.鈥�
鈥淪o, what might Dr. King鈥檚 reflections on love of enemies and the Samaritan on the Jericho Road suggest for us during Walk the Walk Week 2026?鈥� Page asked. 鈥淗ere are a few thoughts. First, we have to look 鈥� unflinchingly, critically, prayerfully and collectively 鈥� at our current and emerging social and geopolitical realities. In a real sense, there are Jericho Roads everywhere that require our interventions and the application of what Dr. King called a 鈥榰niversal altruism鈥� in addressing their complexities. This is intellectual and spiritual work we should undertake together. Second, we must not allow self-interest, hatred or fear to negatively impact our common efforts 鈥� however modest 鈥� to build a 鈥榖eloved community.鈥欌��
The evening included music by the Voices of Faith choir and concluded with a candlelight procession to the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, followed by a reception at the in LaFortune Student Center.
Watch the full service:
