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Catholic College in New Jersey Provides 'Hindu Prayer Space'

Saint Peter's College, only Roman Catholic Jesuit college of New Jersey (USA), is providing a "Hindu prayer space" on its campus.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed today commended Saint Peter's College (SPC) and described the gesture as a "step in the right direction."

Zed urged all universities, colleges and other educational institutions of USA and Canada to provide "Hindu prayer space" for its students.

Rajan Zed pointed out that there is urgent need of allocation of permanent Hindu prayer space complete with a small library of Hinduism books at campuses because of unique requirements of Hindu rituals and prayer traditions like burning incense, jyots, taking off shoes and sitting on floor while praying. These should be available to students 24-hours a day and seven days a week to meet their spiritual needs.

Various other religious groups reportedly have designated prayer spaces in many campuses, and now almost every campus have considerable presence of Hindu students.

SPC also offers an honors course in "Art and Hinduism" in which "students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of Hindu art." It also includes "mandatory" temple visits.

Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia is the president. Ms. Mary Sue Callan-Farley is the director of Campus Ministry at SPC.

SPC was launched in 1872. It upholds the tradition of "care for the whole person" and offers over 40 undergraduate and pre-professional programs.