Christian Awareness began on Monday night. While there are a number of events which will be happening throughout the week, students erected several crosses to mark the week - two of the three crosses, however, were taken down by unknown parties.

According to Fatima Lopez '04, the crosses were put up on Thursday night. Lopez said she noticed that one of the crosses was missing; Lopez said she was informed Saturday morning that another cross was missing as well. Organizers of Christian Awareness week then had to chain the other cross in order to prevent its disappearance, Lopez said.

"We don't know who is taking them," she said. "We're not going to let it get to us."

Lopez added that the organizers of Christian Awareness week have already spoken to Student Life about the incidents.

"I feel that this vandalism isn't the first time something like this has happened," Amanda Rivas '03, president of the Catholic Student Organization, said.

Still, Lopez said that the organizers of the week are looking to educate the campus.

"We know there is definitely a tension, when it comes to the cross," Lopez said. "We just wish people understood what the cross means to us ... we are not going out there to make anyone mad."

Lopez added that she hopes the week will help people break stereotypes.

"We hope people come and learn more about Christianity," she said. "I don't think people know the real story, they have this stereotype ... people see us as forcing the gospel, and that isn't true at all."

Rivas said that the week will provide more visibility to the Christian community.

"Usually people don't go around wearing their Christianity on their shoulder," she said.

Rivas added that Brandeis provides a community where different religions can thrive.

"It's great to be Christian at Brandeis, because you've got a lot of exposure to a lot of religious theologies that maybe you would not (otherwise)," she said.