Gannon community gathers in prayer for Nepal following devastating floods
By Allison Mosier09/02/2026
Members of the Gannon University community gathered in prayer and solidarity following catastrophic flooding in Nepal that has claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands of people missing. This same flood struck across the border in Tibet as well, where lives were also lost and communities are still searching for the missing.
The Aug. 26 disaster struck the Bhote Koshi River region near the Nepal-China border, devastating communities and causing widespread damage. The tragedy has a particularly personal impact in Erie, where Gannon University is home to students from Nepal who are thousands of miles from their families and communities as the crisis continues to unfold.
In response, the university community gathered for a Service of Light at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, offering prayers for those who died, those who remain missing, their families and all those affected by the disaster.
Father Michael Kesicki, university chaplain at Gannon, invited the community to stand alongside the university's Nepali students during a time of profound uncertainty and grief.
“This tragedy touches our Gannon family directly,” Father Kesicki said. “We are home to Nepali students who are far from their families in this hour. They are waiting for news of people they love and grieving alongside their whole nation.”
During the service, members of the community lit candles in remembrance and prayer, drawing upon the words of the Gospel of John: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
“That is our hope, and it is why we gather,” Father Kesicki said.
Beyond the prayer service, Father Kesicki encouraged members of the Gannon community to personally reach out to Nepali students, classmates and friends, recognizing that simple expressions of compassion can carry particular meaning for those experiencing tragedy far from home.
“A message, a kind conversation, an expression of care,” he said. “These are not small things to someone far from home right now.”
As rescue operations continue, the Diocese of Erie joins the Gannon community in asking the faithful to continue praying for the people of Nepal and Tibet, particularly those mourning loved ones, those awaiting news of the missing and those working amid difficult conditions to search for survivors and provide assistance.
Prayer is also asked for Nepali students and families throughout the Erie community who are carrying the weight of the tragedy from afar.
In a prayer shared with the Gannon community, Father Kesicki asked God to comfort those who “wait and search for the missing” and to give strength to rescuers working amid the destruction.
He also prayed especially for Gannon's Nepali students, asking that amid their grief, “they may know they do not walk this valley alone.”
The university has indicated that additional information will be shared as opportunities become available for the Gannon community to provide further support to those affected by the disaster.
Resources from Catholic Relief Services:
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