Campus service held for tsunami victims
Poetry, ceremonial bell ringing recognizes tragedy
By: Emily Dale Swoboda
Issue date: 2/3/05 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Webster's chapter of Stillpoint Campus Ministries sponsored an interfaith post-tsunami service Jan. 30 to mourn and meditate for the victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami disaster.
At the opening of the brief service, Rev. Dr. Laurel Hayes of Stillpoint Campus Ministries invited those in attendance to come forward and participate in a tolling of bells. A variety of bells were provided representing the multiple countries affected by the tsunami.
In meditation for the 220, 000 people that had died in the tragedy, the bells were rung alternately by each attendee.
Gina Lovecchio, senior education major, read an excerpt from John Donne's "Meditation XVII."
Lovecchio has taken one of Hayes' classes and attends her weekly meditation group. Hayes asked Lovecchio to do a reading at the service.
"As the typical broke college student I don't have money to give, but I can give my time and my energy and my hope and my faith," said Lovecchio.
After the reading Lovecchio invited attendees to come forward to light a candle in prayer for those who died and for those struggling to put their lives back together. One woman had trouble lighting a candle. Hayes likened it to the struggles the survivors are experiencing in the after-effects of the tsunami.
Hayes said students could help in many ways. If they want to donate they can give money to Hayes or Stillpoint Campus Ministries to donate on their behalf.
At the opening of the brief service, Rev. Dr. Laurel Hayes of Stillpoint Campus Ministries invited those in attendance to come forward and participate in a tolling of bells. A variety of bells were provided representing the multiple countries affected by the tsunami.
In meditation for the 220, 000 people that had died in the tragedy, the bells were rung alternately by each attendee.
Gina Lovecchio, senior education major, read an excerpt from John Donne's "Meditation XVII."
Lovecchio has taken one of Hayes' classes and attends her weekly meditation group. Hayes asked Lovecchio to do a reading at the service.
"As the typical broke college student I don't have money to give, but I can give my time and my energy and my hope and my faith," said Lovecchio.
After the reading Lovecchio invited attendees to come forward to light a candle in prayer for those who died and for those struggling to put their lives back together. One woman had trouble lighting a candle. Hayes likened it to the struggles the survivors are experiencing in the after-effects of the tsunami.
Hayes said students could help in many ways. If they want to donate they can give money to Hayes or Stillpoint Campus Ministries to donate on their behalf.
