Feifei Cao ‘27
(The candles and lighter at the Candle-Lighting Service on Wednesday)
There is an email sent to the St. Mark’s community every Wednesday, floating to the top of inboxes and most likely being left on read indefinitely. The cycle lapses like this: a familiar subject line, a click, and a quick skim before returning to the blur of daily life.
But this email is more than a subject line in an inbox—it is an encouragement to pause. The email invites St. Markers to a place on campus where most typically only visit two times a week, at 8 in the morning. However, every Wednesday at 1:20 p.m., Belmont Chapel transforms into a haven of tranquility, offering a moment of calm amid the hectic life at St. Mark’s: a candle-lighting service. Whether you stay and light a candle for a few minutes or linger longer, the time is yours to reflect, pray, or simply be still.
As Rev Solter’s invitation gently reminds us, “You’re welcome to come and go as your schedule allows.” For a few minutes, anyone is able to light a candle, offering a moment of warmth and introspection. The simplistic process of the ritual allows for self-reflection and the creation of a calming ambiance, inspiring inner hopes and other quiet moments of gratitude.
Additionally, a short Eucharist service follows the candle lighting, providing an opportunity to connect with others and the sacred space of Belmont Chapel. Through shared prayer and quiet observation, this communal experience reiterates to us the strength found in unity and reflection.
Perhaps this Wednesday’s candle-lighting email is worth more than a quick skim; it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and the St. Mark’s community. It is an invitation to step away from the everyday rush of assignments and obligations, to hold a muti-purpose lighter and set aflame a small candle, allowing for reflection and finding quiet amidst business.