In a quiet corner of Phelan Hall, next to University Ministry, sits a sanctuary for USF students of all faiths and religious traditions. The Interfaith Meditation Room was created in 2010 in response to requests from students, and has since become an important space for quiet prayer, reflection and spiritual activities.
Father Arturo Araujo, S.J., a faculty member in USF’s College of Arts and Sciences, is leading an artistic redesign and renovation of the Interfaith Meditation Room with a group of Art + Architecture students. The redesign will feature three symbols that are represented in all of the world’s major religions:
- The TREE of LIFE, a symbol found across cultures and that speaks deeply about life, tradition, relationships, and spiritual growth. A tree will be etched into the front window to the entrance of the room.
- Seven LAMPS will be displayed on the main wall of the room, representing different world traditions. The collection of lamps will be repeated three times, to symbolize the numbers for perfection found in many different cultures: seven and three. They represent radiance, clarity, and hope found in the life of the spirit.
- BELLS have been used throughout history as a call to prayer, to worship, and to mark the passing of the day. Bells call us to pay attention and be mindful of the ways in which we encounter the sacred or divine in everyday life.
Please consider making a gift to University Ministry to support this special project by clicking here. Your gift of any amount will help ensure that USF students of all faith traditions have a welcoming place for private prayer and contemplation. We appreciate your continued support of our work to bring this special space to campus.
Please contact Ana Santos, amsantos4@usfca.edu with further inquiries, or find out how to see the current space.
