The annual Interfaith Service was held on Tuesday, Feb. 8 in St. Francis Xavier College Church. The theme of this year’s service, “A Time of Hope,” was reflected in the readings.

The service was a time to reflect and learn about the different faiths that exist at Saint Louis University. Kim Woods, a member of the planning committee, said, “We gather to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our faiths.”

Five religions were presented at the celebration: Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Judaism. With songs, dances and readings, the audience learned about the various religions practiced on campus. After the readings from each religion, the congregation sang the “Litany of World Religions.” The litany, by Sean Dineen, says, “In this place, we gather as one in hope, faith, and peace.”

The service began with the “Sounding of Shofar” by Rabbi Hyim Shafner. The shofar, or ram’s horn, is a symbol of the Jewish religion used to warn people of danger. It also reminds people of their duty to God.

Afterward, the assembly stood and sang “Lord of All Hopefulness” as the procession walked in. The procession consisted of flags with the symbols of the five religions represented as the presenters walked behind them. The Buddhist Wheel of Law, Christian Cross, Hindu Om, Muslim Star and Crescent, and Jewish Star of David were seen and explained.

Winnie Wong presented Buddhism and read an excerpt from the Dhammapada. Amanda Davis represented Christianity by reading a passage about Jesus.

Representing Hinduism Raina Gupta read a selection from Gitanjali, by Rabindranath Tagore. Afterward, Puja Natesan and Poornima Devanhalli danced the Brahma Kamilla, a dance about the different forms of God.

Farheen Kazi, representing Islam, read a verse from the Qur’an. Michael Traub read a passage from the Jewish tradition. Afterward, a drama, “Acts of God,” was performed.

The diverse readings, songs and dances showed the variety of religions and faiths that exist around the world and on campus. Kazi said, “I love how a person of a different faith introduces each of the presenters. It shows how people can learn from each other.”

Senior Becca Frazier, who introduced Davis, said, ” It’s really great that at a Catholic university there is a sense of a need and want for diversity. There is a mixture of people who may feel isolated at a Catholic institution, and it’s great that there is a service like this for people of all faiths.”