VICTORIA OLGUIN – NEWS EDITOR
In the current state of the world where it might feel like so much conflict is going on, it is important to take the time to reflect and breathe. This is something that many have acknowledged at St. Mary’s University, and students like freshman biology and math double major Francisco Garcia have taken steps to achieve it. By helping start a weekly rosary prayer, Garcia has enabled students to pray for peace in the world. It was especially during the start of the Ukraine and Russia conflict that Garcia decided to take action.
“As soon as I saw that Russia had invaded Ukraine, I knew that we needed to have a responsibility as a faith community to this crisis, so I began emailing campus ministry to pitch my idea of a weekly Rosary to pray for Ukraine. This weekly prayer is done out of love for Ukraine and is something we plan on continuing doing, even after this conflict, for peace in all parts of the world, as even now Ukraine is not the only place in the world where suffering occurs,” Garcia said. As a Marianist and Catholic institution, prayer is constantly used during difficult times.
“The Rosary is one of the strongest prayers
we have because of its ties to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also important that we are showing that our response to this conflict is one of love and prayer, as not everyone can give monetary support, but we all can still pray together for peace,” Garcia said. Students who have shared worries about the ongoing Ukraine and Russia conflict have been able to gather in a safe space and pray for the bettering of the situation. It is for this reason that students have seen the practice of weekly rosary prayer as an important practice for them.
“The weekly rosary we do as a St. Mary’s community is important for a multitude of reasons. Chief among them being that we are coming together to pray as a faith community for peace in the world and right now, especially for peace in Ukraine. We are praying for the lives already lost in the conflict and for those suffering and that Russia will realize the error of their ways and end their invasion,” Garcia said. Students who have attended the rosaries have enjoyed the events.
My favorite part of attending the weekly rosary has been that I get to sit and be mindful of what has been happening around me in the world and I get to do so with my friends,” freshman business management major, Eliana Villareal said. “Offering up my thoughtful prayer from here in San Antonio is one way I can help contribute to a peaceful tomorrow,” Villareal continued. Any student interested in praying the rosary is welcomed. “The rosary is offered to everyone in the St. Mary’s community and all are definitely welcomed. regardless of if you do or do not know how to pray the rosary,” Villareal said.
“I warmly welcome all members of the St. Mary’s community to come participate in our prayer. If you can come to Assumption Chapel at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays we would love to have you.” Garcia continued. For questions regarding weekly rosary prayers, contact the university ministry at university.ministry@stmarytx.edu.