I’m William Repetto, a second-year graduate student at Villanova University. This is the “‘Cat in the Stacks” column. I’m your ‘cat. I’ll be posting about college life, about learning and growing here at Villanova, and, of course, about the Falvey Memorial Library’s role.

As a Catholic University, we just took some time off to mark Easter, the Catholic holy day celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Celebrated in the Catholic tradition, of which I am a part, Easter in fact contains meanings that hint at the very roots of the term “Catholic” – which comes from the Latin word for “universal.”

Happy (belated) Easter!

I could give you a historical lesson and tie Easter to its pagan roots. Alternatively, I could give you a bunch of clichés about how the flowers rise again and the sun returns. This post, however, appears on a library blog geared toward students. Let’s explore the lessons of Easter in our own context, as a diverse college community.

In Catholic theology, Jesus died to atone for the sins of others – his resurrection makes possible reconciliation. This is a nice message to receive this time of year for reasons of perhaps smaller stakes. Perhaps you’ve squandered your time and resources so far this semester. Finishing up my twelfth consecutive semester of combined undergrad and graduate work, I know I’ve had a semester or two when I let going out and the social scene dominate my time. Whether reconciliation comes in the form of prayer or recommitment to your own values, Easter reminds us that there is still time to atone.

On the contrary, you have had perhaps the ideal semester – struck a good work-life balance, have gotten great grades, etc., etc. Well, there’s an Easter message for you also; Easter marks the end of a period of fasting and prayer known as Lent. We could say “live it up a little,” but more importantly, take your message out into the world, as the apostles would forty days after Jesus’ resurrection. If you know someone or someones who could use the tools for success that you have used this semester, be sure to share and help inspire growth in your own little community.

A great way to prove your greatness would be to apply to Falvey Scholars, but that’s none of my business.

Whether you’re in need of a recommitment after a rough start or you’re ready to give a helping hand to a friend – or even if you’d like to learn more about Catholic theology – Falvey Memorial Library is the place for you. Our subject librarians are on-call to make sure you finish those final term papers with a flourish. Our spaces offer a great place to chat with friends; the first floor lounge is my favorite.

If theology really is your thing, make sure to see our Theology and Religious Studies Librarian Darren Poley; he can tell you more (about any theology, really)!

Article by William Repetto, a graduate assistant in the Communication and Marketing Dept. at the Falvey Memorial Library. He is currently pursuing an MA in English at Villanova University. (Graphics courtesy of Bitmoji, and Hunter and I spending hours perfecting our representations!)