Students, faculty, staff, administrators and other community members gathered in the Upper Main Dining Hall for the annual Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast.

Sr. Catherine Luxner, IHM, director of Campus Ministry, welcomed guests to the breakfast and talked about the success of the Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Family drive, which donated goods to 107 families this year.

Marywood President Sr. Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D then addressed the audience with the theme of gratitude.

“We often think about what we don’t have when we should think about what we do have and why we are grateful for the things we have,” said Persico.

Persico continued by reciting a reading titled “Thanksgiving Prayer” from the Native American Iroquois tribe, which was later adapted by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. She ended her speech by thanking members of the Marywood community for their work.

“Thank you all for the work that you do here at Marywood,” she said.

After guests had the opportunity to converse and eat breakfast, the Marywood Chamber Singers led by Director Dr. Rick Hoffenberg performed.

Member of the Chamber Singers and Junior Music Education major Ashley Costello said she enjoyed performing for those in attendance.

“Even though it was early, it was still wonderful being able to perform for everyone this morning,” said Costello.

Deirdre Spelman, director of field education, said she believes the prayer breakfast is a great tradition.

“I think it’s a wonderful tradition because it helps to bring together the Marywood community,” Spelman said.

Sr. Margaret Gannon, IHM, said the breakfast is an important opportunity for members of the community to gather together.

“I love this event because it’s great to be able to see folks that you may only see occasionally,” said Gannon.

The Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast concluded with a number of community members reciting sacred writings from the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths.

Contact the writer: [email protected]