New York is known as “the city that doesn’t sleep.” There is this constant exhausting energy. Everyone speed-walks like they’re late to a meeting, even though they aren’t. They’re just heading to Blank Street for a matcha latte.
One of the biggest struggles of this current generation is finding inner peace because there is always pressure to complete their identity.
But in New York, you might as well think that there’s no way you can find peace amidst the chaos…right?
Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
You must invite God with an open heart and mind. Let Him reveal what you struggle to understand about yourself. To know God is to know yourself.
Enter NightFire.
WHAT IS NIGHTFIRE?
NightFire is a monthly Friday night of prayer hosted by The Catholic Center at NYU, home to NYU’s Newman Club, the oldest club at NYU.
Between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday, people come together to experience candlelit Eucharistic Adoration, Gregorian chants, and live music in the chapel.
Outside, you can participate in tabling in front of the Kimmel Center and at the south entrance of Washington Square Park. By tabling, you get to invite people to join you for this event and evangelize.
Romans 10:14: “How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?”
Nevertheless, it’s also a great way to connect with other Catholics if you’re interested in deepening your faith. You have friends in heaven praying for you, but you can also have them here on earth too.
HOW DID IT START?
In the West Village lies St. Joseph’s Church. It’s known as a home to many Dominican friars and attracts many young Catholics, and it has even been featured on Fox News and TikTok. In addition to In Vino Veritas, another popular event for young Catholics is NightFire.
Since the NYU Catholic Center is associated with the church, many NYU Newman students are regulars during Sunday Mass. The center eventually gained inspiration to start their own NightFire at NYU, with their first appearance on August 29th of last year, to prepare for the fall semester.
A PERSONAL TESTIMONY
During my first time, I was nervous because I knew no one and didn’t know what to expect. It was also one of the first times I heard traditional Gregorian chants in person — I honestly had no idea what they were saying because I can’t understand Latin for the life of me, but it was still hauntingly beautiful to listen to.
I’m sure many people feel this way, but I like to make myself busy, often feeling unproductive and guilty when I find a gap in my schedule. We get stuck on our pride and focus so much on advancing our careers that we often lose sight of what’s most important. We are present in this world, but it doesn’t mean we need to be of this world.
In Confessions, St. Augustine of Hippo discerns: “You have made us for yourself alone, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
Our souls are not damaged; they are lost. We need God to overcome our flesh. The Eucharist is an extension of the Incarnation — He desires to be closer to us in a tangible way. We were created out of love and everything created for us is out of love too.
As suggested by several Newman members, including myself, your first time should be devoted to experiencing Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel. After your first time, connect with the NYU Catholic Center staff to see if you can volunteer to table with others!
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN STARTING NIGHTFIRES IN THEIR COMMUNITIES
- Contact. Gather others who are interested in the concept — with enough people, contact a local parish and a few priests to see if these events can be executed.
- Location. You can also have Eucharistic Adoration in a location that doesn’t have to be inside a church. Roughly 80% of Christians lose their faith after attending college. If you are a college student passionate about evangelism, this is a great opportunity for you to pursue. Some colleges have chapels!
- Atmosphere. The best NightFires I have been to always incorporate these things. With the smell of incense burning, your space would be most gorgeous with no lighting but candles scattered throughout!
- Additions. Some other ideas to incorporate are tabling, confessions, and Catholics on standby. These Catholics can provide more information on how Adoration works, its purpose, tips for confession, and perhaps an explanation of the examination of conscience.
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All Images Photographed by Gabriel Spence on NYU Catholic Flickr
