Camillus House Experience
On April 6, I along with 14 of my classmates, had the opportunity to volunteer at Camillus House in downtown Miami.
It was one of the most rewarding and unique experiences I've ever had. The day of service was an extension of the day of service we all experienced during Ignatian Week in March.
I don't know where to begin. Maybe fate put me here. I was invited to go by Mrs. Davalos, because on a day when I had nothing going, on I randomly volunteered to help her sort and prepare care packages for the less fortunate. I enjoyed it, so I helped out some more. Before I knew it, I was part of something bigger than me and proud of the work we were doing.
When we arrived at Camillus House we were given a tour by three of their ministry ambassadors. These three men had all utilized the services offered by Camillus House at one point in time and now give back by volunteering. Gary Allen, Bryan Person and Elving Caraballo all shared their experiences with us and weren’t shy about giving us advice either. They repeatedly encouraged us to finish school and stay focused but most of all not to judge others and to continue to help whenever possible.
I wasn’t expecting such well-run place. It’s such a big facility where they offer so many different programs like laundry service, daily showers, job finding support, and even an area where people can pick up new items of clothing or shoes. It’s so much more than just a place where the homeless can get a meal.
On the day we went it was packed with lots of people coming in and out. I was surprised to learn that it was actually a slow day by their standards. I ended up helping in the kitchen, while others served food, picked up or cleaned the dining area. Everything was so meticulous- there was a method to everything. Everyone was kind and appreciative. People were offered soup, bread, and spaghetti with sauce, sandwiches and even dessert!
It's hard to try to put this into words, it is just something that has to be experienced. I'm glad Belen provided my classmates and me this opportunity. It's important to learn math, science, etc.... but learning to be humble and serve others will be a skill that I’ll never forget. Even the chaperones were inspired by the day we spent at Camillus House. I think we may have even started an annual tradition. I can only hope that next time the school visits we are able to go in a larger group so that others can experience what I did.
“Not only did they follow the footsteps of Christ by finding him in the homeless and hungry they were also given the ability to live out Ignatian core values of A.M.D.G., the Magis, and Cura Personalis,” said Mrs. Davalos. “Many had already completed their required 15 hours of service prior to attending the fieldtrip and several students have expressed a desire to return. May God continue to help them to ‘set the world on fire’ and to inspire their classmates to do the same.”
Click here to view the photo album. Click here to learn more about Camillus House.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.