Photo by Gary Wayne Gilbert
Fluttering along the railing in front of Bapst Library, several hundred maroon-and-gold ribbons inscribed by Boston College students, faculty, and staff offered special intentions during 'Espresso Your Faith Week.'
The handwritten notations range from prayers for strength and forgiveness—or the strength to forgive—to those on behalf of victims of climate disasters or violence, to petitions for health, clarity of mind, or peace of heart, to the simple dedication "for my friend Kelly, because she rocks."
"The prayer ribbons are so reflective of the compassionate spirit that defines Boston College," said Church in the 21st Century Center Associate Director Karen Kiefer. "One ribbon quickly became hundreds of prayers and special intentions bound together by love and faith."
The ribbons were taken down Friday due to pending rain, but will be relocated to St. Joseph's Chapel on Upper Campus, where they will remain throughout the year. A similar opportunity will be offered in the spring, Kiefer said.
Since 2011, members of the University community have been invited to "espresso" their faith through a week of liturgical, artistic, musical, and other events sponsored by BC's popular Agape Latte program, a "caffeinated" story-telling series launched in 2006 by the C21 Center and Campus Ministry.
Agape Latte's signature events, which invite prominent BC figures to share stories about transformative or other significant moments of faith in their lives, have inspired similar programs at Jesuit, Catholic, private, and public colleges across the country.
This year, Agape Latte kicked off its 11th season with an appearance by adventurer Erik Weihenmayer '91 H'03—the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest, reach the Seven Summits, and kayak through the Grand Canyon, who urged the capacity crowd of BC students gathered in Robsham Theater to use the challenges in life as fuel to move forward.
Read more about his appearance here.
—University Communications