University of Manitoba Opens Inclusive Multi-faith Centre at Bannatyne Campus Welcoming All Backgrounds
The University of Manitoba recently inaugurated the Bannatyne Multi-faith Centre, a dedicated space for spiritual practice and reflection. This opening took place on December 4, on the lower level of the Brodie Centre, Room 078. The multifunctional space caters to all students, faculty, and staff from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, regardless of their faith.
Overview of the Bannatyne Multi-faith Centre
Operated by the university’s Spiritual Care and Multi-faith Centre, the Bannatyne facility is part of a broader initiative launched in 2017 to promote multi-faith practices at both the Bannatyne and Fort Garry campuses. The Fort Garry location opened in 2022.
Ceremony Highlights
- The dedication ceremony was led by Edgar French, the university’s spiritual care co-ordinator.
- It featured prayers and greetings from representatives of various faith traditions, including Indigenous, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Christian, and Sikh communities.
- Notable speakers included Margaret Lavallee, Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, UM Provost, and Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, Dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry.
During her address, Dr. Kelekis-Cholakis emphasized the importance of health-care providers attending to their own well-being. “All future health-care providers must be aware that patients come from a wide variety of religious and cultural backgrounds,” she said, stressing the need for respectful treatment of all patients.
Facility Features
The Bannatyne Multi-faith Centre is designed to be a neutral environment, fostering inclusivity. It includes essential amenities such as:
- Storage for sacred texts and prayer mats
- Ablution spaces for Muslim members
Tim Rozovsky, a first-year medical student, highlighted the centre’s role in enhancing multiculturalism. “Students with different belief systems can connect and practice their faith in a judgment-free zone,” he stated.
Importance of Spiritual Care
Greg Junghans, representing the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada, pointed out the significance of spiritual care in addressing mental health issues. The centre is viewed as a vital resource for providing grounding amid life’s complexities.
Prabhnoor Singh, President of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union, expressed gratitude for the centre’s availability. “It’s a place to pause and reflect on our actions,” he noted.
Visiting Information
The Bannatyne Multi-faith Centre is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information on activities such as guided mindfulness meditation gatherings and private bookings, interested individuals can visit the Spiritual Care and Multi-faith Centre or contact them via email.
