Although many Fairfield University students continue to participate in peace rallies throughout America and in the weekly protest that takes place in Fairfield center, some are taking a quieter approach.
Last Thursday night a group of 50 students gathered in the Egan Chapel to participate in a candlelight vigil for peace and the safe return of American and coalition troops now in Iraq.
Rev. Paul Carrier, S.J. started the vigil by reminding parishioners of the hope that he believes all need to keep alive in these difficult times.
“While gathering here today in this sanctuary we must keep in mind others in the world and work towards a sanctuary for all,” said Carrier.
Leah Bellemare, ’05, supports the troops in Iraq and attended the vigil Thursday.
“I believe that the war in Iraq had to happen. We are a strong country and it was right for us to act,” said Bellemare. “Although I am not pro-war, we can’t stop the war now that it has begun. We should all support the troops that are over there right now and I do that through prayer.”
According to a CNN/USA Today Gallop poll done last week, Bellemare is not alone. Sixty-six percent of Americans have faith in President Bush and believe that he is doing the right thing, while the other 30 percent disagree with his most recent actions and want him to pull out of Iraq immediately.
Kevin Carroll, ’06, is part of that 30 percent. He says that he is against all preemptive war and is a regular at weekly campus masses.
“The Christianity that I believe in is based on forgiveness, tolerance and understanding. I don’t understand how any religious person could agree with the actions that the American government has taken recently,” said Carroll.
Carroll went on to say that he continues going to church to pray for peace as he always has. “I will continue to go to church and pray for peace not only here and all over the world,” he said.
Bellemare, who also attends church on a regular basis, has recently begun praying with other things in mind. “I have friends that are in Iraq right now putting their lives on the line for us everyday. Church allows me to focus on their safe return home. It makes me feel like I am doing something.”
After participants in the vigil read quotes taken from the Bible and historic peace figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr., students illuminated the chapel with the collectively bright flames of their candles.
Carrier left the chapel by challenging the parishioners to not only light a candle, but with the lighting of their candle commit themselves to peace.
“I can’t wait for this whole thing to be over,” said Carroll. “Once we pull out of Iraq peace will hopefully be achieved.”
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