By Lauren Zazzara
Associate Editor
The snow may have mostly melted, but that didn’t stop SBU for Life from hosting its annual Snow Mass on Tuesday night.
SBU for Life is a pro-life club that works to build conversation about the sacredness of human life, even if others’ stances differ.
The Mass was held at 10 p.m. at the Peace Pole outside the Thomas Merton Center, and Fr. Peter Schneible, O.F.M., presided. It was conducted as a normal mass minus the hymns, but the homily and petitions put a special focus on preserving human life.
Topics mentioned included abolishing the death penalty, preventing suicide and protecting the unborn.
“It was nice to see everyone come together, and I did think it was quite a nice turnout,” said junior marketing major Erin O’Rourke, who is a member of SBU for Life.
About 20 people, members and nonmembers alike, braved the cold weather for the mass. Students said they appreciated the uniqueness of it.
“I really like the mass because it’s in a different setting than normal and therefore a different atmosphere,” said Vanessa Hulse, a junior chemistry major.
LaurieAnne Wickens, a junior marketing major and member of SBU for Life, agreed.
“The appeal of it is still that it was in the winter, outside and so late at night,” she said.
Students had mixed feelings about the not-so-snowy weather for the Snow Mass.
“I was upset that there was no snow, especially since it is a Snow Mass,” Hulse said. “However, I was glad that it wasn’t as cold as it has been in the past.”
Overall, Wickens said she thought the mass went well, even without snow.
“I think that anytime people gather in the community and celebrate mass outside of the Sunday norm is so beautiful and special,” she said. “…It is always a nice way to celebrate life every year.”
zazzarlm13@bonaventure.edu
