"May God protect the children" and "God bless the victims" were two of the many anonymous messages covering the tsunami reflection board at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center yesterday.

In addition to the afternoon vigil at Old Main, Penn State students and faculty trickled into Spiritual Center between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to reflect on last month's tsunami disaster.

Penn State's Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs organized candle lighting and a reflection board in Worship Hall for visitors who came to recognize those affected by the tsunami.

Individual tea candles were lit by each visitor from a common taper candle and then placed on the steps of the Worship Hall altar.

Shortly after noon, Pattee Library employee Rose Spotts added her candle to the row that lit the steps. She proceeded to write down her thoughts.

"I came because it's something that can happen anywhere," Spotts said.

With friends in the affected area, Spotts wanted to send positive energy in their direction.

Rich Terroni (senior-information sciences and technology) sat silently in the front row, reflecting on the disaster.

"It's important to remember and to believe that things will get better," he said.

Richard Yuen (senior-hotel restaurant and institutional management) took his time to compose his thoughts.

"Why did people have to die like that? Was it some kind of punishment for people's sin? Was it God's rage on the people?" he said.

Jeannine Wirth (sophomore-music education) responded to the tragedy with hope.

"I'm here to honor the people that were lost," Wirth said. "I think that countries should come together regardless of politics or religious faith to help those in need. It involves all of us."