By EDDIE MIKUS
STAFF WRITER
Hurricane Sandy downed trees on Fordham’s campus, but impacted the nearby community much more severely. (Elizabeth Zanghi/The Ram)
On Oct. 29, the university community gathered to acknowledge the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy — the storm that barreled into the New York metropolitan area, destroying thousands of homes — with a prayer ceremony on Gabelli Plaza.
The ceremony featured many theological traditions, including readings from both the Gospel of Matthew and the Quran.
It concluded with a Buddhist prayer, and attendees were also given candles to hold for the duration of the ceremony.
In remarks delivered during the ceremony, Conor O’Kane, the associate director of Campus Ministry, praised the reaction of those in the Fordham community who reached out to hurricane victims in the aftermath of the storm.
“Here at Fordham, for those of us on campus, we were asked to stay in our residence halls, in our buildings, through the storm,” O’Kane said. “But as soon as that was lifted, people came pouring out. They came into Campus Ministry, they came into other offices and the first thing they said was, ‘What can we do?,’ ‘How can we help?,’ ‘How can we be a part of the healing process for our brothers and sisters?’”
O’Kane then spoke about the effects of the resulting volunteer efforts from Fordham students towards Sandy victims.
“We responded first in prayer and collecting money and donations,” O’Kane said.
O’Kane discussed the ongoing efforts to repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, even a year after the storm.
“Tonight, as we gather here on the one-year anniversary of the storm, the rebuilding continues.If you’ve been following the news, there are people who are still waiting for aid. Insurance agencies from the government are still working to rebuild not just their houses, but their homes. There are people who had funding for temporary housing that expired, so for a second time, they’re homeless. Their work continues.”
O’Kane urged students to continue joining volunteer efforts, through Fordham or other institutions.
“Think about volunteering this Saturday, or in the future, through Fordham or another agency, for recovery,” O’Kane said.
Those in attendance praised the event.
“It was a great way for a community of faith to come together, to give reflection and prayer, to lift everyone up in prayer on the first anniversary of Hurricane Sandy,” John Gownley, the university sacristan, said.
Gownley also commended Fordham’s quick response to the hurricane.
Students also enjoyed the event, especially the candlelight vigil part.
“I liked how it was dark outside with the candles,” Lauren Dzialo, GSB ’16, said. “I think it made us feel more like one little community.”
