Catholic U Comes Together for a Meaningful “Eat, Walk, Pray”
Image courtesy of Isabel Fay
By Francesca Jonica
What’s your usual Sunday evening routine? Maybe you attend Mass, spend time with friends, or enjoy a quiet day of rest. But this past Sunday, Catholic U students came together for something special. They gathered with over four religious orders in Caldwell Hall for a cozy dinner at 7 p.m., followed by a rosary walk at 8, and capped it all off with the 9 p.m. Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Chapel.
Around 50 students filled Caldwell Auditorium for Catholic U’s “Eat, Walk, Pray” event. Among those in attendance were members of religious groups such as the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Paulist Fathers, and the Daughters of Charity, each sharing their unique perspectives on religious life and vocations.
Fr. Ed Nowak, CSP, vocations director for the Paulist Fathers, spoke warmly of the event, reflecting on how his own calling to the priesthood came while he was in college.
“My highlight is being able to interact with the students and share the message of the Paulist Fathers,” Father Ed said. His enthusiasm mirrored the students’ eagerness to learn more about vocational life.
For many, the most impactful part of the evening was hearing firsthand from the religious orders about their experiences and callings.
Trinity Ruiz, a senior philosophy major, shared her favorite moment:
“The highlight of the event was hearing the vocation story of one of the sisters from The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan,” Ruiz said. “Their mission, to bring the mercy of God the Father to the poor and suffering, really resonated with me.”
Sister Elizabeth Sjoberg, with the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, expressed how much she enjoyed connecting with the students. “The highlight for me was sharing stories and discussing the faith with the students. Their sincerity inspires me!” Her words echoed the spirit of the evening, as the event fostered a deep sense of community.
At 8 p.m., everyone gathered outside of Caldwell Hall, where the statue of Mary stood. Armed with candles, students watched as each flame was lit, despite the wind’s attempts to snuff them out. United in prayer, they walked through campus, reciting the rosary on their way to St. Vincent de Paul Chapel. The rosary walk culminated in a packed Mass, with Rev. Maximo Stöck, Chaplain for Undergraduate Formation and Athletics, as the celebrant.
The rosary walk wasn’t just about prayer—it was about unity. Each candle symbolized a shared journey, with everyone moving forward together in faith. The journey from Caldwell Hall to the chapel was marked not just by physical steps, but by spiritual reflection.
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, Catholic U University Chaplain and Vice President for Ministry and Mission and Director of Campus Ministry, reflected on the success of the night.
“The Rosary Walk was a highlight of the evening,” Father Aquinas said. “The candles, the prayers, the singing — it was a little slice of heaven on campus.”
The Mass following the rosary walk was an intimate yet powerful conclusion to the night. St. Vincent de Paul Chapel was overflowing with students eager to celebrate the Eucharist after such a meaningful evening. The homily delivered by Rev. Maximo carried a strong message of love and sacrifice, reminding everyone of the importance of cherishing the gifts we receive from God. His words, “You should spoil the gift you receive, and that gift is love,” struck a chord with many students, emphasizing that God’s love should be at the center of everything they do.
This event also served as a reminder of the close-knit community that exists at Catholic U. With the presence of multiple religious orders and students coming together, it showed the strong ties that bind faith, education, and community at the university. Events like this create a bridge between academic life and spiritual growth, helping students see how both aspects can be harmonized in their daily lives.
In every sense, “Eat, Walk, Pray” was a resounding success for Catholic U—a powerful evening of faith, fellowship, and reflection that left students inspired and ready to carry the spirit of the night forward. It was a perfect representation of how Catholic U’s Campus Ministry continues to foster a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment for all. Whether through prayer, shared meals, or meaningful conversations, students are reminded of the ever-present opportunities to grow in their faith and be a part of something greater.
