Festive lights, bright spirits

Written by student writer Megan Dick '27

Holiday cheer has been spreading quickly at Salve Regina University. The trees are beautifully lit and the landscape is covered with festive decor. The annual Festival of Lights, Luminaria and Christmas tree lighting only added to the hum of excitement across campus. 

Festival of Lights

On Dec. 2,  Salve hosted its 23rd annual Festival of Lights in the stunning Ochre Court building. The Great Hall was full of students, faculty members and those from the broader Newport community.  

The night was a celebration of light and peace, featuring reflections and prayers from a variety of faiths. Religious symbols such as the menorah and Advent wreath were also lit.  

The coordinators of the Festival of Lights ensure as many students as possible can participate in the music, dance and readings, with each component reflecting the mercy critical concern of the year, which is racism.  

“I think the Festival of Lights helps remind us how similar our beliefs are, even though we can feel divided,” said Eleanor Hendrickson ’27, an English literature major.  

The Luminaria  

1,000 lanterns lit the area around Our Lady of Mercy Chapel and McAuley Circle on the night of Dec. 3. The Luminaria, a cherished Salve tradition, coincides with the Christmas tree lighting each year; both began in 2020 during the pandemic as a way for the community to come together and feel uplifted.  

Students, faculty, alumni and parents make a small gift to The SALVEfund to then have a paper lantern inscribed with a tribute in honor of a loved one. This year, a record 500 lanterns were dedicated.

The preparation and layout for the Luminaria is a service project for Sigma Phi Sigma members starting in early November. Student volunteers and staff make and position the lanterns, and on the night of the event they serve as “light finders,” carrying flashlights and a directory to help visitors find their lanterns. One light finder was Sarah Kraus ’24, an advancement assistant and head of the Luminaria.  

“I think the holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on what matters most. The Luminaria has become a beautiful tradition at Salve for people to gather and celebrate those they love,” Kraus said.  

The Christmas tree lighting  

Salve’s annual tree lighting brings campus to life with holiday cheer, gathering the community for an evening of music, seasonal treats and a special visit from Santa.  

The festivities began with welcoming remarks from President Armstrong and a blessing from Sister M. Therese Antone, University chancellor and professor emerita.  

"May the glow of this tree and the others on the campus remind us daily of the hope, the warmth and the connection we bring to each other during this holy season. May the lights inspire us to be a source of comfort and kindness to all whom we shall meet,” shared Antone in her blessing.

President Armstrong then introduced Salve’s Madrigal Chorus to perform a few holiday classics.

“My favorite song we sang is ‘Joy to the World.’ It’s a way to get people to come together and feel a little bit of peace in a time of chaos,” said Chloe Desmarais ’28, a political science major and member of the Madrigal Chorus.  

“I also think ‘O Christmas Tree’ is fitting since many are here tonight to see the tree,” joked Jasmine Al Khatib ’27, music major and Madrigal Chorus member.  

Soon after the Madrigals’ performance, Santa arrived to spread Christmas cheer, and President Armstrong led the countdown to the tree being lit.

By the end of the week, campus sparkled from Ochre Court to McAuley Circle, each celebration adding its own light to the season.