For many years, members of the Viterbo University community have been able to turn to a handy book of prayers and reflections compiled just for them whenever they needed to begin a meeting or event with a moment of contemplation.
Emily Dykman, who chairs Viterbo’s religious studies and theology program, has used the university-published Book of Prayer a lot since coming here in 2004. “Let’s say somebody says, ‘Hey, can you do a prayer for this thing that’s happening in half an hour?’ Some days my mind is a blank and I don’t even know where to start,” she said. “Those are the days when that book is invaluable.”
The book has been distributed among the Viterbo community over the years, but about a year and a half ago it was discovered that the last copy of the book had been given out. Rather than simply reprint the previous edition, it was decided a new version was needed.
“We really want to try to make it something that speaks to our university today,” Dykman said. “What we’ve talked about is something that would have some information about the Franciscan legacy, the FSPA (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration) legacy, and Viterbo’s legacy, something that would be a quick and easy introduction to the university and its core values.”
Each of Viterbo’s core Franciscan values—contemplation, hospitality, integrity, stewardship, and service—will have a section in the book, each starting with a description that brings each value to life. The prayers and reflections in the sections will dig deeper into those values, with entries working for multiple contexts.
Some of the entries from the original Book of Prayer will be included in the new book, but there will be a lot of fresh material. Members of the Viterbo campus community have been recruited to write some of the entries, but Dykman and the committee putting the book together are casting a wide net, seeking submissions from alumni and the community at large.
Submissions can be original prayers and reflections, or they can be “found” pieces, as long as the committee can establish the source in case of copyright issues.
Dykman has written her share of prayers and reflections over the years, and she said they work best when they incorporate imagery and symbolism. “When I read something and I think it’s really good, typically it’s because my attention is drawn to something that’s relatable in the symbolism, something I can connect to my own lived experience,” Dykman said.
The plan is for the book to be published in 2021 and distributed either in March for Founders Day or in October during St. Francis Week.
The Viterbo University Mission Integration Committee has set up an online submission form. People seeking more information about the project should email Dykman.