Campus Ministry opens meditation room

By Jesus Diaz

As University President Michael Engh, S.J., spoke about the importance of silence in our lives, a peaceful vibe suddenly spread throughout the small and harmonic room.

His speech marked the opening of the new meditation room in Benson Memorial Center on Sept. 30.

The new meditation room welcomes students of different faiths -- or no faith at all -- and allows them to take a step back from the fast-paced life of a college campus.

"Silence reminds me to take my soul everywhere I go," Engh said.

The new meditation room features sound-proof walls, a carpeted floor, a seven foot fountain with rocks and four small couches.

Different publications -- including the Qur'an, Bible and Prayers for All Occasions -- are available at the entrance to the room, providing literary material for reflection.

The noise of the waterfall creates an atmosphere reminiscent of an oasis ---- a miniature Niagara Falls.

The room also provides a quiet, deserted reading space, since it is small and doesn't have many people.

Most of the time, the room is used by only one person, although it can be used by multiple people simultaneously.

Engh said the new room will allow students to relax and "get in touch with their interior quiet."

"I really enjoy the room and the waterfall because it creates a background noise that is very peaceful," said sophomore Ashley Ciglar, a guest at the dedication. "I don't think a large amount of people are going to use it because people are busy, but they definitely should. I will probably use it once a week."

Campus Ministry Director Jack Treacy, S.J., in the company of Engh and Campus Ministry staff, officially inaugurated the new room last week, promising to help students cope with stress.

The room used to be part of the Event Planning Offices.

"I am very pleased that Father Treacy and Campus Ministry are dedicating a spot like this," Engh said.

About an hour before the dedication, guests were invited for an open house in which Root Beer floats and snacks were given.

At the start of the dedication, Treacy welcomed the guests of the event.

"Our hearts are very grateful today for this beautiful room," he said.

Treacy later invited the 15 guests of the dedication to place a rock at the base of the fountain while simultaneously singing a song called "Home, Your Embrace."

These rocks were handed out at the entrance of the room and are a symbol of "what weigh us down every day," Treacy said. The act of holding the rock for a few minutes and placing it at the base of the fountain symbolizes the disappearance of the things in life that let us down spiritually, Treacy said.

Along with a basket full of rocks, a comment sheet also remains at the entrance of the room for suggestions.

During the dedication, one of the comments was read out loud.

"Thanks for such a peaceful space, what a wonderful gift for our campus," said an anonymous guest.

The full dedication ceremony only lasted approximately 15 minutes.

The addition of the meditation room to the campus marked the start of Campus Ministry Week, Sept. 28- Oct. 2, which urged students to get involved in Ministry events.

"We decided we wanted a kick-off for the year so we came up with Campus Ministry Week," said Campus Minister for Retreats and Resident Minister Julia Claire Landry. "We wanted a chance for people to come and meet us, to ask any questions, and to catch up with those who are already involved in Campus Ministry."

Other events included "History of the Mission Church," which allowed students to learn more about the campus mission, and student liturgies for prayer.

"The campus community needs to make good use of the spots we have here, the Mission Church and even in the grounds," Engh said.

According to the Engh, the new addition of the meditation room is a very beneficial development because everyone on campus needs time to quietly reflect on life.

Other reflective and sacred spaces at the university include the Mission Church and the Multi-faith Sanctuary located at St. Joseph's Hall.

"All the great religions of the world have meditation; it's something that people over the centuries have searched for," Engh said. "It prepares us for life."

Contact Jesus Diaz at (408) 554-4546 or jadiaz@scu.edu.