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As a Jesuit, Catholic university that welcomes people of all faiths and traditions Loyola University Chicago is home to a diverse array of religious celebrations throughout the year. This spring, students, faculty, and staff will come together to observe significant religious holidays, including Ramadan, Lent, Passover, Holi, and others. Campus organizations, chaplains, and student groups are working to create meaningful opportunities for worship, reflection, and community support.
Ramadan: A Month of Fasting and Reflection
Beginning at sundown on Friday, February 28, many Muslim members of the Loyola community will observe Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Those who fast will abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast in the evening with iftar meals.
Campus Ministry and the Muslim Student Association (MSA) host events eac year that bring students together for shared meals and spiritual discussions.
Follow MSA on Instagram @loyolamsa or on LUCommunity for more Ramadan events happening at Loyola.
Lent: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
Lent, observed by many Christian traditions, begins on Wednesday, March 5 with Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days leading up to Easter. It is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, with many students participating in Lenten reflections, Stations of the Cross, and community service initiatives. Madonna della Strada Chapel will host regular Masses and confession times, and Campus Ministry will provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in spiritual growth throughout the season.
Protestant students can find Lent and Easter events hosted by Agape and Ecclesia on Instagram @agape_ecclesia.
Passover: Honoring Jewish Tradition
The Jewish holiday of Passover begins at sundown on Saturday, April 12, and lasts for eight days, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Loyola chapter of Metro Hillel will host a Shabbat dinner on April 25 in honor of the holiday. Follow the Metro Hillel calendar or on Instagram @hillel.luc for more events throughout the Passover season.
Holi: The Festival of Colors and Joy
Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, love, and spring renewal, will take place on Saturday, March 22. Loyola’s Hindu Students’ Organization (HSO) will feature traditional music, dance, and a joyful color-throwing event. The festival is a time of unity and celebration, bringing students of all backgrounds together to enjoy the spirit of renewal and joy. Stay connected with upcoming HSO events on LUCommunity or on Instagram @hso.loyola.
Accommodations and Campus Resources
Loyola encourages faculty and staff to support students in their religious observances by providing reasonable accommodations for class attendance, exams, and coursework. Students should notify their professors in advance if they anticipate a scheduling conflict due to religious observances.
For a list of religious holidays, visit the Campus Ministry website.
As the Loyola community embraces the richness of its diverse faith traditions this spring, we celebrate the shared values of reflection, renewal, and community that unite us all.
