Campus Ministry Hosts Student-Led Prayer Service

Sebastian Cardena '22 shared his personal experiences with isolation and anxiety during the early months of virtual learning. 

On Friday, November 6, Regis’ Campus Ministry office hosted Ignis, the first student-led prayer service of the year. Named for the Latin word for “light,” Ignis provides an opportunity for students to shed light on issues they are facing in the world, using scripture to frame their conversations and provide guidance on how we as Catholics are called to live.

Director of Social Justice Initiatives Mr. Marselys Lucero invited students, faculty, and staff to his Zoom room during Community Time to participate in Ignis. Anthony LaBarbara ’21, Jake Lang ’21, and Joseph Healy ’21 began the prayer service with readings from scripture and a reflection on them, and Julian Castaybert ’21 offered petitions, praying for those who have lost their lives this year and for those who are still isolated from their loved ones.

Sebastian Cardena ’22 led the prayer service, giving a reflection on the emotional trials of the pandemic and quarantine and how we can maintain hope through dark times. “It’s still a scary experience having to regularly worry about their well-being,” said Cardena about his parents, both of whom are essential workers. “We’re still all going through it, but I’ve adapted, we’ve adapted, and that’s all that we can do.”

After Cardena's reflection, participants were invited into breakout rooms to share with others about their own hardships during the pandemic. It is the hope of future Ignis prayer services to continue providing outlets for the Regis community to share in their struggles and become closer through them.

Students, faculty, and staff gathered together in prayer to reflect on the struggles many are currently facing in the world. 

Joseph Healy '21 led a reflection on readings from the Book of Job and the Gospel according to Matthew.