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The spring is a time of renewal, reflection, and celebration for many faiths. Dedicated to building community among faiths, Loyola is home to students, faculty, and staff of many religious traditions and backgrounds. From Holi, the Festival of Colors, to spiritual discussions during Lent and Ramadan, Loyola’s student organizations, chaplains, and Campus Ministry are providing opportunities for celebration, prayer, and worship across all campuses.
“This time of year calls us to renew our relationship with God and the Divine,” said Steven Betancourt, director of Campus Ministry. “It is an honor for those in Campus Ministry to accompany our students, and it is powerful to witness the commitment to prayer and fasting during this time. Join us!”
Ramadan
Observed by many members of Loyola’s Muslim community, Ramadan is expected to take place from February 19 or 20 to March 29 or 30. During the month of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal, those who fast abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
As fast breaks in the evenings with iftar meals, the Muslim Student Association typically hosts shared meals and discussions during Ramadan.
For more information on Ramadan events at Loyola, see LUCommunity and MSA’s Instagram @loyolamsa.
Lent
Lent, the 40-day and 40-night period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving celebrated in many Christian traditions, will begin with Ash Wednesday on February 18.
Several mass times will be offered on Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses on Ash Wednesday, where ashes are placed on the forehead as a sign of mortality and penance. Via Crucis, the annual outdoor Stations of the Cross, will take place on March 30.
Students of all faith backgrounds are welcome to join as Lent concludes with Easter Sunday, which will be celebrated with Mass at Madonna della Strada Chapel.
Keep an eye on the Campus Ministry, CLC, and Agape & Ecclesia Instagrams for more events and activities @lucministry, @clcatluc, and @agape_ecclesia.
Passover
Passover, a Jewish holiday, will begin before sundown on April 1 and will end after nightfall on April 9. Passover commemorates the freedom of the ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
In honor of the holiday, Hillel at Loyola hosts an annual Shabbat dinner with Metro Hillel and Campus Ministry.
For details on this year’s events, check out LUCommunity and @hillel.luc.
Holi
Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi marks the start of spring and the end of winter on Wednesday, March 4. The festival symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good. Every year, the Hindu Students’ Organization (HSO) and Campus Ministry host a celebration. Students of all backgrounds are welcome to join in on traditional music, dance, and throwing brightly colored powders.
Stay up to date on details and more HSO events on LUCommunity and Instagram @hso.loyola.
