The Bellarmine community gathered in the Patrick Wayne Valley Memorial Gymnasium the morning of November 19 for the school’s annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Prayer Service, presented by members of the Unity Council. The theme of the service was A Gratitude That Moves.
Always a memorable experience, the service this year was no exception as several students, representing a variety of cultures and faith journeys, shared prayers of gratitude. The event began with words of welcome by Mr. Chris Meyercord ’88, Bellarmine’s president, followed by emcees Austin Scott ’26 and Jule Rohana ’25 who reminded those gathered that “We are surrounded by love. We are surrounded by a community that cares about us.”
As part of Bellarmine’s Winter Warmth Drive, which runs through November 22, students brought warm clothing and blankets that will be donated to Sacred Heart Community Service and HomeFirst's cold weather shelter and outreach programs.
The song of praise, Malo! Malo! Thanks Be to God, was sung by the Bells Choir, followed by the land acknowledgement delivered by Alejandro Lopez Jimenez ’25, who also shared a reflection and video about his recent sunrise service in San Francisco in unity with Indigenous peoples. A skit was also performed by several students.
Students from Mr. Duncan’s ASL 4 class shared prayers of gratitude in American Sign Language. That was followed by a variety of prayers delivered by students of many cultures, including Greek and Sikh, and an interfaith litany delivered by students representing Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Taiwan Student Association, Hindu Student Association, Vietnamese Student Association, Sikh Student Association, and Pacific Islander Culture and Arts Club.
The moving Thanksgiving Interfaith Prayer Service concluded with Aiden Mangalick ’26 singing the song Thankful. Mr. Tony Ferrari ’11 conveyed words of gratitude to all those who planned and participated in the special event.