What does it mean to belong to a community? And how can people of different religious backgrounds come together to create a more inclusive world?
These were among the questions explored during St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Interfaith Luncheon, held Monday, Nov. 2, in the Student Lounge of Tuohy Hall on the Brooklyn Campus and Friday, Nov. 5 in the Knapp Swezey Multipurpose Room on the Long Island Campus.
The event, titled “Building a Community of Belonging: Many Faiths, One Mission,” featured keynote speaker S. Annelle Fitzpatrick, CSJ, Ph.D., director of the Refugee Resettlement Program for the Sisters of St. Joseph. The gatherings were part of the University’s Week of Community and Belonging.
Directors of Campus Ministry for Brooklyn and Long Island S. Marie Mackey ’84, CSJ and Jonathan Galo, welcomed attendees on their respective campuses and emphasized the importance of recognizing the University’s diverse religious traditions.
More than 100 SJNY students, staff and faculty were in attendance between both campuses.
“We believe that it is very important, especially during this week of community and belonging, that we appreciate the gifts and traditions of the student body, the staff and the faculty,” said S. Marie Mackey.
Introducing S. Annelle, Sister Marie praised her lifelong commitment to serving others, describing her as “a role model in many ways,” particularly in demonstrating the Sisters of St. Joseph’s mission of loving God and neighbor without distinction.
Discovering the Power of a Shared Vision
Annelle began by reflecting on the University’s founding by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the importance of creating connections across different cultures and religions.
“There are few more powerful forces on earth than a shared vision,” she said. “Having a shared vision is the ultimate catalyst for bringing together diverse people.”
She emphasized that belonging is a fundamental human need, one that transcends religious, cultural and social differences.
“Humans have a longing to belong,” she said.
Drawing upon the teachings of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism, S. Annelle explained that different faiths share fundamental principles emphasizing compassion, charity and service. “We are here to serve one another,” she said.
She also cited Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela as examples of leaders who inspired transformative social movements through shared moral convictions.
Moving Beyond Religious Tolerance
Throughout her presentation, S. Annelle challenged students to move beyond simply accepting religious differences and begin actively celebrating them. For S. Annelle, it means changing the focus from “just tolerating religious diversity to celebrating religious diversity,” she said.
She encouraged students to learn about other faiths through meaningful conversations and firsthand experiences.
“We begin by talking to each other,” she said. “And if you listen to someone, you will soon discover that your classmates share many of your core values.”
Recalling her years teaching world religions, S. Annelle described encouraging students to visit houses of worship outside their own traditions, attend religious celebrations and share meals with people of different faiths.
“But to truly understand, you have to go to the third level, which is experiential,” she said. “That’s where transformation takes place.”
She urged students to use their college years to explore unfamiliar traditions, broaden their perspectives and translate shared values into meaningful community service.
“Use this time to go beyond your comfort level,” she said.
Building a More Inclusive Community
Annelle also suggested organizing interfaith gatherings, visiting houses of worship and creating opportunities for students to collaborate on community service projects.
“Come together, talk openly about what matters to you,” she said.
Following the presentation, attendees shared personal reflections on religious understanding and cultural awareness.
Annelle concluded with a message encouraging students to embrace their differences while recognizing their common humanity.
“Go change the world,” she said.
Photography by Daniella DiBenedetto ’27 and Andre Cetoute ’27
