Loyola Theology Undergraduate Essay Competition
2025 Theme: Friendship and Faith
The role of friendship in faith has been conceived in various ways: Abraham has been called a friend of God (James 2:23). St. Francis was a friend of nature and of the poor. Jesus called his disciples friends (Jn 15:15) and taught that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends (Jn 15:13). St. Augustine wrote of true friendship as loving the other in God, with the love poured into our hearts by God (Confessions 4.4-9).
This year's essay and photo competition invites students to explore the role of friendship or significant experiences of friendship in any major religious tradition.
Category #1
5 page essay, 3 prizes ($100, $150, $200)
Submit an essay of 1,000- 1,250 words (about 3-4 pages) addressing this year’s theme.
Essays must be submitted by Friday April 4 at 11:59 as a .pdf. using the submission form below. Entrant’s name and contact information should be given on the submission form; student name should NOT be on the submission.
Submissions will be assessed by Loyola Theology faculty on the basis of clarity, style, quality of reflection and application.
Category #2: Photo and 1 page essay
3 Prizes ($100, $150, $200)
Submit an original photograph and an essay of 250 words addressing this year’s theme.
Photograph and essay must be submitted by Friday, April 4 at 11:59 p.m. using the submission form below. Photograph should be submitted as a jpeg, and essay as a .pdf. Entrant’s name and contact information should be given on the submission form; student name should NOT be on the submission.
Submissions will be assessed by Theology faculty on the basis of artistic merit, writing clarity, style, quality of reflection and application.
Open Gallery: Friday, April 11 at 3:30 pm, Theology Department Lounge
Awards Presentation: Friday April 11 at 4 pm, Theology Department Lounge (immediately followed by the TAK honor society induction ceremony).