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CalendarIn 1973, Pedro Arrupe, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, issued the challenge for Jesuit schools “to form men-and-women-for-others…men and women who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors.” Ten of Loyola’s most recent graduates—Jasmine Alfonseca, Kelly Conroy, Sean Duane, Isabella Hreljanovic, Blake Iglesias, Mindy Kiefer, Julianne Lee, David Klay, Amanda Moffa, Nikoleta Rukaj—began their life as alumni/ae by demonstrating their love of neighbor during a 10-day Service Immersion Trip in Belize City. In addition to building a house, these graduates (accompanied by Omani Guy ’05, Mr. Neely, and Ms. Baber) were introduced to the people and culture of Belize. Shepherded during their stay by Abel Vargas of Hand in Hand Ministries, the Loyola group visited schools and community outreach centers where they learned about each institution’s mission and challenges, and also had time to play and chat with the children; while working on the house, they got to know the family who will live there as well as some of their neighbors. In the evenings, speakers addressed the group, providing background information about the realities of life in Belize; nightly reflection provided the opportunity to process the day’s experiences and to grapple with the challenges inherent in a faith that does justice. A performance by a group of Garifuna dancers, a visit to Mayan ruins, a morning of snorkeling at the barrier reef off Caye Caulker, and the opportunity to pray with the local community at Mass all provided additional glimpses into the richness of the culture, history, and community of this tiny country. In writing to the group upon their return home, Abel Vargas said “your visit serves as proof that the world still has good people living it, that there is hope after all.” Their Belizean experience taught the group from Loyola those very same lessons.
Click here to view photos from the trip.
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