On March 2, the Multifaith Chaplaincy hosted Practicing Peace in Gomes Chapel. The event began with brief words from Interim Multifaith Chaplain Rev. Dr. Raymond Clothier and Whitney Miller ‘26 on the importance of peace in a world wrought with war.

Visitors lit candles, colored in coloring books and sat in quiet contemplation for as long as they pleased, able to admire the beauty of the chapel. Lasting only 30 minutes between 12:15 and 12:45, participants were invited to attend for as long as they pleased.

The aim of the event, according to Clothier, was to “give students space to reflect and mediate… [and] for centering and peace.” He said that though it may seem self-indulgent, it’s important to take time for self-care and finding peace in order to go about life unencumbered by the stress of global events.

Clothier revealed that the event had been planned weeks ago and that it was merely coincidental that it coincided with the outbreak of conflict between the U.S. and Iran.

String Fellow Whitney Miller ‘26 was a particularly strong presence in the planning of Practicing Peace. The String Fellowship, named after Bates College Alum William Stringfellow ‘49, a social justice advocate and Bates alum, is a Multifaith fellowship aimed at social advocacy.

Saraswathi Murugan ’29, an attendee at Practicing Peace, stated that she chose to attend the event because it is important to “make the deliberate choice to sit and actually think about what is happening.” She added that there is “always going to be something out of our control and recognizing that helps us do what’s in our control like speaking out.”

Taking time to be pensive at an event like Practicing Peace “makes me feel human,” Saraswathi reflected. When asked, she said she might attend future iterations of Practicing Peace if the Multifaith Chaplaincy decides to make it a more regular occurrence.