Respect Life Week, hosted by Campus Ministry, began Monday, March 31, 2008, and continued through Saturday, April 5.
"Respect Life Week is important in that it raises awareness on campus about various issues and challenges facing life today. We hope to underscore the importance of realizing how great a gift and opportunity life is, as well as respecting and making the most of both our own lives and the lives of others," said Lia Santilli '11, spiritual events chair. The week's events included Celebrate Life Night on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Campus Ministry Center . Celebrate Life Night was a birthday party-themed retreat.
"Father Blau talked about loving life, and everyone made birthday cards to celebrate each other's lives," said Santilli. "He also gave a great lecture about how to live in a way to get the most out of life, based on Dietrich von Hildebrand's book, The Art of Living, which he highly recommends. We also had a great time playing games, making cards, and eating cupcakes."
Tuesday, April 1, in Moore Hall III at 7:00 p.m., there was a showing of In the Womb, a documentary which created a multi-dimensional look into the development of the fetus, produced by the Discovery Channel.
The events of Wednesday, April 2, consisted of a lecture given by Susan Gay, Esq. Gay is a PC alumna and former president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life who addressed students about her experiences with the pro-life movement in Moore Hall III at 8:00 p.m. Gay discussed the issue of abortion during earlier decades and how it has evolved in the eyes of society throughout the years. She noted that respecting life deals more with just the issue of abortion, and that it is about understanding life in all of its phases.
"It's great to see young people ready to take on the world at large on this precious issue of life and life in all of its phases. It's not just the issue of abortion; it ranges from the issue of conception to natural death. It ranges from birth and how conception occurs all the way to the issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide and everything in between," said Gay.
Gay said she was glad to see interest in the pro-life movement at such a religious- and moral-minded institution as Providence College . She supports "the Dominicans' tradition of excellence and scholarship learning." Gay encouraged her listeners to be active and involved. "If you can be an impetus to raise the level of awareness, I encourage you to do it," she said.
"I came to the talk because I'm interested in the life issue and how it affects people," said Tommy Cheely '11. Katie Krouse '10 said that she came to the talk with the PC for Life group on campus. "I'm very pro-life and I found that this is the nicest group of people on campus, especially for this cause," Krouse said. "They are very inclusive and accepting."
The week continued on Thursday with a spiritual "triathlon" for life. The triathalon consisted of three parts: part one was a prayer and reflection session, part two was mass in St. Dominic's Chapel, and part three was a rosary for life. The event began at 8:15 p.m. in the Campus Ministry Center . All week in Raymond Cafeteria, Campus Ministry had a "precious feet" sale and "baby shower" where all donations received were given to the Mother of Life Center of Providence.
All of the week's events led up to Friday's Relay for Life in which PC for Life and the greater PC community supported each other in the fight against cancer and the recognition of victims, survivors, and current fighters, in Peterson Gymnasium from 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 4, to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5. Hundreds of Providence College students attended the fundraising event for cancer research and awareness.
"It was such a positive experience and I can't wait to do it again next year. It was very touching, especially the Luminaria part where all the lights were shut off and you would light your glowstick for a friend or family member or someone in your life who was affected by cancer. Music was playing and everyone was walking around in a circle. It showed how everyone is affected," said Meghan Keating '11.
Over the past four years PC has raised over $250,000 for the American Cancer Society through hosting Relay for Life and ranks as the second-highest grossing college in the country. Before the walk-a-thon began, Relay for Life committee members led a brief opening ceremony. Katie Jenson '10, a Relay for Life committee member, read a short inspirational poem entitled "Don't Quit." Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., next led everyone in attendance in a prayer for all those who are battling cancer, those who have lost their battle with cancer, and those that have been affected by cancer.
Cancer survivors started off the 14-hour walk-a-thon and walked the first half-lap with those who cared for them during their battles. Survivors wore purple tee-shirts and carried a banner for the American Cancer Society. Caregivers carried red roses. For the second half-lap the all those in attendance joined the survivors. Each team that signed up for Relay for Life was required to have at least one person walking around the track at all times until the conclusion of the relay.
Around 9:00 p.m. the relay temporarily stopped for the Luminaria ceremony. Students purchased the luminarias, decorated, and dedicated them to those who are battling cancer, who lost their battles with cancer, or those who survived it. The Luminarias were then placed around the track with glow sticks inside of them. All participants then stood next to their Luminarias and lit them when instructed to do so. After all the luminarias were lit a Relay for Life committee member sang a song dedicated to all those who have been touched by cancer.
Various entertainers performed throughout the relay including the Irish step dancers of the Gaelic Society, PC Dance Company, a cappella groups, and Rejects on the Rise. Soul Explosion was a large crowd pleaser. The student band performed a number of old favorites from 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. They were even called to do an encore, during which they performed "Shout." A Zoomba class was also given, and competitions were held throughout the night.
Finally at 7:30 a.m. the closing ceremony began. A short video of the night was created courtesy of PCTV and was shown to all participants. Free breakfast including bagels, doughnuts, and coffee from Dunkin' Donuts, was offered to everyone still awake. After breakfast all the relay participants took a last lap around the track with former cancer patients in the lead.
The night was just one example of how, time and time again, Providence College students and community come together for a cause. Overall, Respect Life Week was a huge success.