During the week of September 25-30, also known as Espresso Your Faith Week at Boston College, bursts of maroon and gold gradually overtook the fence outside Bapst Library. These colored prayer ribbons, a distinctive tradition at BC, contain the hopes, desires, and deepest longings of several hundreds of individuals in the BC community.
“The prayer ribbons are so reflective of the compassionate spirit that defines Boston College,” said Karen Kiefer, the director of BC’s Church in the 21st Century Center (C21), when speaking with University Communications in 2017. “One ribbon quickly became hundreds of prayers and special intentions bound together by love and faith.”
Kiefer described how there is “something powerful about public displays of faith,” and how “all are welcome of any faith” in this tradition.
BC’s prayer ribbon tradition occurs during Espresso Your Faith Week, an initiative of C21, and blends nicely with Family Weekend, which traditionally begins on the Friday of that week, allowing parents to share their prayers as well. The prayer ribbon tradition also returns each spring for graduation, in which graduates and their families can use this medium of prayer to express their hopes and dreams for their futures. The ribbons are taken down and saved in BC’s chapels, as the featured image shows in St. Joseph’s chapel on Upper Campus.
In speaking with The Torch, Kiefer mentioned that the ribbons have other uses as well. Students bring them back to their dorms to keep with them throughout the year or display the ribbons on their backpacks. BC’s prayer ribbons have even been requested for BC weddings!
“The C21 mission is to make models,” Keifer explained. C21, described in essence as “a catalyst and resource for the renewal of the Catholic Church in the United States” on its website, has a storied history of producing such popular models of faith expression. For example, the smash hit Agape Latte coffeehouse speaker series was introduced in 2006 and has since spread to more than 50 high schools and colleges across the country. Kiefer went on to express her hope that in the case of the prayer ribbon tradition, “other schools can use the model with their colors.”
While C21 is a catalyst for models, these traditions have special meaning for BC, in particular BC students.
“The prayer ribbon is one of my favorite traditions here at BC,” said Ryan Patrick, LSEHD ‘24. “Knowing that the community as a whole is praying for all of our intentions is a very comforting feeling.”
“I think the tradition of the prayer ribbon is so representative of Boston College’s culture of reflection,” said Ayana Henry, MCAS ‘24. “Prayer ribbons are a wonderful opportunity for students to pause and reflect on their lives and paths as well as to invite God into their plans and decision-making during such a pivotal time of their lives.” She continued, “They are also wonderful reminders to be thankful for all the beautiful things in our lives right now, such as friends and supportive professors.”
“The prayer ribbon tradition is a great way for BC students to be connected to one another,” said Caroline Brewster, MCAS ‘24. “Whether on the fence outside of Bapst during Espresso Your Faith week or tied to the backpacks of students, the prayer ribbons are a constant reminder that despite our very different journeys, BC students are tied to one another through faith.”
In addition to students, the prayer ribbons tradition brings together the prayers of others in the community, including staff members, and even prospective students who come to visit.
However, an important question remains: Just what is the BC community praying for?
The ribbons range from memorials for loved ones who have passed away and relief for those suffering, to hope and gratitude for God’s blessings. Each prayer speaks on its own, a voice lifted up to heaven and written down in solidarity with this unique community of faith.
“For my family, friends, for love, for peace, for Lebanon”; “I pray for all the people in Puerto Rico & the Ukraine; I pray that God watches over them”; “My next job, that it is the right path”; “Lord, I pray for the mental well-being of all of my classmates and the whole BC community.”
“I am grateful to share my voice and thrive in new opportunities. I pray for the success of my future students and for the love and light of my children to come”; “I pray for all cancer survivors, fighters, and supporters. May faith keep them strong and safe in your care”; “all those struggling who thought it was over. [T]hose who alone don’t know who to call … those losing their faith”; “For all new eagles – that they may find home, love and light at BC.”
“To fruitful friendships, an academically successful semester, a lively campus, healthy family and friends, and self-discovery”; “For the BC staff who supports the university and keeps it running efficiently”; “[M]y patients and their families”; “I thank God for life + the opportunities he’s given me. I hope to get accepted to BC for the class of 2027!”
“Peace for Grandma Lily and all her family”; “For my brother George, may he find his way through light, love, and hope”; “For Katherine’s successful formation at Boston College”; “Isabelle – You are doing a great job at BC. Continue the good work. Love Mom Oct 2022”; “Nana and Papa, I hope you’re dancing together again.”
“For good health & good love, rid us all of our divisory nature and set us forth our best selves”; “Give me wisdom, understanding, insight & knowledge to perform well in my studies, through Christ our Lord, Amen.”
Thomas is a student in BC’s Carroll School of Management, who fittingly serves as the current Business Manager of The Torch in addition to his position as Campus News Editor. Thomas can be found around campus singing at Masses with the Liturgy Arts Group, tabling for the BC Pro-Life Club, deep in conversation while enjoying BC Dining cuisine, or gazing in awe at Gasson Hall and its Collegiate Gothic style architectural neighbors.
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