Sydney is a MODG senior who has devoted her year to leading the Ora Pro Nobis (OPN) project along
with her Co-Leader Faustina Cusmano. The OPN project is a NHS run, student led prayer meeting hosted
twice a week on zoom. The prayer meetings are open to all MODG students! ([email protected])

Sydney has graciously agreed to share with us a bit about her experience with
leadership and prayer!

1. What made you want to volunteer to lead the Ora Pro Nobis project?

I wanted to take on a leadership role, and this project was a wonderful opportunity for me to take part in that. 🙂

2. How has the prayer meetings impacted your life?

It’s truly given me a sense of community within the NHS. We have our “regulars” like you would at a coffee shop and I love it. When someone new comes
to a meeting, I never thought I would have as much joy as I do — but it makes me so happy to have others
pray with Faustina and I. 🙂

3. What has been your favorite part of it?

I think the idea of this project as a whole. I love that this
project, though its goal is simply to pray, is for the betterment of our spiritual health, as well as for our
community within MODG and the friendships that come with that! Prayer is such a profound experience,
and it becomes even more special when done with others.

4. What has been the most challenging part of leading OPN?

Truly, I feel like it has just been getting the word out about it. I struggle with time management, so even though Faustina and I have set times for
prayer meetings, I try to send out reminders about a meeting coming up, and sometimes I forget to do that
— which leads to a smaller gathering in our zoom meetings. So that is something I will try to do better this
semester! 🙂

5. Any advice you would give to students who are seeking to dive further into prayer.

My advice is not to overwhelm yourself. Start with small increases with how long you pray for and/or add something to
your regular prayer routine(s) (i.e. reading a new spiritual book, beginning a novena, adding a small extra
prayer to your morning prayers, etc). Do not be too hard on yourself — remember that you are taking steps
to better your prayer life! Be proud of yourself for taking that step!

To learn more about the OPN project you can contact them at [email protected] !