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The nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution, Xavier University of Louisiana, celebrated National Day of Prayer on May 4, 2023. Approaching its historic centennial, Xavier has always been open to all races and creeds since its establishment in 1925 by St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Though its great legacy is built on Catholic ideals of social justice, it keeps true to the mission bestowed by its founders to promote a more just and humane society for all. National Day of Prayer is an annual observance and promotion of prayer held on the first Thursday of May.
There are many forms of prayers, either communally or individually: for needs and hopes; for community, the nation and the world; for friends, family, and strangers yet to meet; and in thanksgiving, often the sweetest of prayers. Prayer can be done in simple ways, even in silence. All prayer is sweet to the divine.
All are invited to join Xavier and offer prayer and thanks in their own way.
A letter from Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana
Dear Xavierites,
“I give thanks to my God always, remembering you in my prayers” - (Philemon 1:4).
In 1952, during the Korean War, at a time of national need, the President of the United States asked that the first Thursday of May be designated a National Day of Prayer.
So it is that I ask the members of the Xavier family to join the nation in prayer this Thursday, May 4th. The national need may change, but we remain in need of prayer.
We are walking in the footsteps of Xavier’s founders, Mother Katharine and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
Our prayers may be of thanksgiving or prayers of petition for help or healing, for nation and community, for friends and family or for strangers yet unmet.
Our prayers may take many forms: the simple prayer during the walk to and from class, collective prayer as we gather in small or large groups, or many other forms.
In all these, we turn our inner gaze to the Loving and Beloved One.
Humbly, I ask that you remember us in prayer, as I give thanks for you always, remembering you in my prayers.
Yours,
Dr. Reynold Verret
President
Xavier University of Louisiana
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