The Three O’Clock Prayer is a Marianist tradition rooted in the act of coming together to pray as a community. Recalling the death of Jesus Christ on the cross as told in John 19:27-30, Marianists use this tradition as a spiritual reunion, reflecting on the suffering of Jesus and the role of Mary in salvation.
At the Society of Mary’s General Chapter meeting in 1928, it was recommended that the provincial administration of the society have the Three O’Clock Prayer printed on the reverse of a holy card to be distributed in Marianist institutions and organizations. Building on the tradition of sharing this prayer on a holy card, the Marian Library designed a new version in 2025 as part of the exhibit Forever Marianist: 175 Years of Marianist Presence.
With donor support to the Marian Library Fund, this new version features Jesus on the cross as depicted in the “Mirror of Hope,” an art installation in the Marian Library by artist Kevin Hanna. This 12-foot-wide, 5-foot-high sculpture was commissioned by the Marian Library in 2000 as a visual story of creation, Incarnation, Resurrection and Redemption. As it was made just for the University of Dayton, the piece includes a temple-like structure with a cupola and brick gateways reminiscent of those on the University’s iconic Immaculate Conception Chapel, making the entire art piece a favorite of the University of Dayton visitors.
With the image from UD, the card connects the person to the Marianist community around them as well as the Marianist Family worldwide. Two versions of the card have been printed, one in English and one in Spanish. Campus Ministry’s Hispanic/Latinx ministry hosts a weekly event called Three O’Clock Prayer and Cafecito every Tuesday between St. Mary’s Hall and the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, where the group prays the Three O’Clock Prayer in both English and Spanish.
Both versions of the card are available in the Marian Library, Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Office for Mission and Rector and student chapels throughout campus.
— Kayla Harris is an associate professor in the University Libraries, associate dean for special collections and executive director of the Marian Library.
