Service and Spirituality
in the Windy City
The goal: carry on the University’s mission of upholding its five pillars while helping others in the Windy City. The trip exemplified SJNY’s commitment to broadening the horizons of its students and instilling the values of the University’s motto: Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem.”
The trip to Chicago was not about checking off another place on a travel list or simply having fun (though there was plenty to be had). Rather, it offered students a chance to explore the rich history of one of America’s great cities and give back to the local community.
The trip highlighted the importance of campus ministry as a resource for community outreach and spiritual direction.
It also marked a milestone, being the first service and mission trip since COVID-19.
Suraj Chaudhary ’27, a mathematics and computer science student from Nepal who studies on the Brooklyn Campus, was drawn to the opportunity immediately.
“When I learned about this initiative from our campus ministry, my reflex response was ‘I absolutely want to be a part of this.’ The reason was personal: I had been a part of service communities back in my home country, which is where I first experienced the fulfillment that stems from helping somebody. I wanted to experience more of that, so I signed up,” said Chaudhary.
Funded in part by the University and the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood, the trip spanned four days.
Students engaged in charitable activities that enforced St. Joseph’s pillars of social responsibility and service, such as volunteering at the St. James Catholic Church food pantry.
Visits to museums, the Mexican Consulate and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School offered a look into the various histories and cultures permeating Chicago, the difficulties facing Mexican immigrants and today’s unique approach to bilingual education, respectively.
Visits to the Mother Cabrini Shrine and Old St. Patrick’s Church — one of the city’s oldest churches — allowed students to delve deeper into the Catholic faith and its influence on the world.
The students returned more self-assured about the work that can be accomplished within their own communities, the significance of the University’s mission and how they can create a positive and transformative experience for others.
“Our students found the trip to be very memorable and left them with a desire to extend love and compassion to those who are most in need,” Galo said.
“As we look toward the future, I would like to encourage more students to apply for our next spring break trip as these are memorable experiences that will, in many ways, help them to come closer to our ‘dear neighbor’ and inspire them to work for others,” he concluded.