Editor’s note: In last week’s edition of The Update, we carried the story of the “Chapel of Appreciation” held by Eastern University, the academic neighbor of Cabrini University. During that prayer service, this prayer was offered by Eastern’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kenton L. Sparks, MBA, PhD. It was so heartfelt we wanted to share the prayer with our Update subscribers.
Father, we are reminded this morning of the words from Ecclesiastes, that there is “a time to mourn” and “a time to dance.” But we feel just now that, somehow, we must find a way to mourn even as we dance, for there are reasons to do both today.
We celebrate decades of Cabrini’s service to the church and world. Generations of students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, and board members have been deeply touched by Cabrini College and University. How could we not celebrate? But we also lament. We lament because recent events have so unfolded that the mission of Cabrini is now transitioning to a missional legacy.
So, we are conflicted today. Be with us, Lord, in these moments together. Ensure us of your love, compassion, and concern for all of us.
We pray especially for students and employees whose studies and jobs have been disrupted. Grant them peace and care for them and make clear to us how we can best support them through this difficult part of their journey. We are troubled in our souls by their troubles.
We also have reasons to thank you, Lord.
For the years of service and the ongoing legacy of Cabrini University
For the Sisters who envisioned her, and gave her life from the beginnings through these long decades of institutional service
For the thousands of people blessed – students, alumni, staff, faculty and friends, by the mission of Cabrini
For the special institutional friendship that Eastern and Cabrini have shared over the years, especially during this last year as we have co-labored to make good on our shared mission in faith-based higher education
We are thankful for the many faculty and employees at Cabrini who have secured new positions, quite a few of them here at Eastern University
Finally, we pray for the current Cabrini students. Many and diverse, each has had their own experience this year. As their journeys unfold now before us, we pray for them–and for all of us–that you would fulfill that good promise from Scripture, that “God works all things together for good, for those who love him and are called to his purpose.” And may the result be that we together “Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with our God.” In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.