Third Annual Vigil a Great Success

Early in the evening; the down lights helped reading
but were hard on the eyes

I want to offer many thanks to everyone who helped make this vigil possible, especially Austin Schafer, Damian Santiago, Marissa McCombs, Fr. Joe Ciccone, and Fr. Antonio Carvalho.  This could not have happened without their support nor without everyone who came to the church to keep watch with our Lord.  Indeed, through the night, we almost never had fewer than SIX people praying in the church at all times until about 3:15 in the morning.  Then we were briefly down to two, but for most of the morning we had 3 or 4 adorers.  I am especially grateful to all the people who attended parts of the Divine Office--we never had fewer than 6, and around 10-12 at points!  I'd love some day soon for many to be able to sing along with the Church in her prayer (we have recordings to help that, and we sing in the church every day).

It is my hope that this vigil has helped many around campus to grow closer to Christ directly or indirectly, and that the prayers and sacrifices we offered may be acceptable to God.  I am most deeply encouraged in the way Catholics from different groups and perspectives came together for this to pray and have fellowship as the one people that we are.  I pray that this one accord may be manifested in the coming year in our many ventures for the building-up of Christ's Body. In this and in the attendance for the hours of the vigil, this year we have FAR outpaced what was achieved in the last two vigils.  Let's make this a tradition to stand for years to come!

After the Rosary at Midnight

My only disappointments are that I was not able to get enough singing volunteers to build-up a critical mass of singing for the Office and Mass (and early enough that I could have used the Liturgy of the Hours) and that the turnout for the concluding Mass and brunch was not impressive (but did leave me with leftovers for the Sunday brunch (all are welcome every week--hint, hint ; ) ).  But neither of these are surprising, and for what we were yet able to do, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

To all those who participated in even the least way: THANK YOU, and God bless you.

In the love of Christ,

Thomas Herge

The church be lonely at 5 AM, except our Lord is there.