Recently, I read an article by Jennifer Mertens in the NCR entitled: 10 Tips for college freshmen: Staying Connected to your Faith. The 10th tip is what struck a chord with me as we approach the Year of Mercy called for by our Holy Father, Pope Francis. The 10th tip states: "Carve out time for yourself." Although on the outset this sounds a little selfish, she fleshes it out by saying: "Take a walk. Visit the chapel. Journal. Run. Meditate... You can get involved in all sorts of faith-based activities, but at the end of the day, it still comes down to how you are able to be real before God."

Being real before God is a daily challenge not only for college students, but for all of us, married, single, religious, ordained or lay. Our Eucharistic Chapel on campus is housed in a small, non-denominational chapel on South Campus, an "out of the way place," if you will. Catholic students are able to gain access to the chapel, which we call "The Portiuncula," (the little portion), securely 24/7. I often see students, faculty or staff coming or going from that personal and intimate prayer space, as they strive to draw strength for their journey, as they ask the Lord to show mercy to someone who is ailing and as they respond to Jesus’ invitation: "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will refresh you." It is there, in the presence of God, that we experience the wonderful fount of love and mercy; it is there that we commune with our God who sees us as we are, and offers us unconditional love. In return, all God asks of us is to offer that same love and mercy to all those we encounter on our journey through life!