By Avery Grunert, Guest Writer
Newman’s chaplain, Father Ed Herzog, performed what he called an “ancient tradition” by blessing several dorm rooms earlier this semester. The blessings are a cherished tradition at Newman that have been happening for years.
But even students who didn’t sign up to have their dorm rooms blessed when Herzog first offered can still have it done: Herzog said he’s willing to perform blessings by request, and not just for dorm rooms: He’ll also bless other common items, from cars to objects with religious meaning.
“I believe it is a good way to have your room be somewhere you can invite the Holy Spirit to be
within your room” he said.
The first round of dorm blessings were offered shortly after the semester started. Students were able to sign up for a time for Herzog to visit their rooms, and he blessed 20 different spaces among Newman’s four dorm buildings.
At each room, Herzog said a series of prayers and sprinkled holy water throughout the living space.
Though dorm room blessings are a longstanding tradition, this is Herzog's first year as chaplain at Newman, and it was his first opportunity to perform the blessings, which he said are a way to “invite the Grace of God into the space.”
He said it was a cool experience and that he was happy to do it for anyone. Dorm blessings were offered to all students on campus, but Herzog only visited the rooms of students who wanted blessings. They’re not required to get them: Herzog said that he does not want anyone to feel pressured to do anything they are not comfortable with.
Grace Hertel, a freshman, had her dorm blessed. Fun fact: She is living in the exact room Herzog lived in during his time as a student at Newman 17 years ago.
Students were able to be in their rooms while the blessing was happening. Hertel said the process was simple and straightforward: Herzog blessed the bathroom, living area, sink area and the room overall.
He said a series of prayers in each of those spaces while sprinkling them with holy water.
“I thought it would be a cool experience to have my dorm blessed and have something to hold
onto throughout the year,” Hertel said.
PHOTO: Courtesy
