Led by Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez and Arturo Araujo, S.J., the Guadalupe Faith & Hospitality Immersion Experience in Mexico plunges participants deep into the realms of social justice and spirituality. Taking place during the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, this journey included faculty and staff from various Seattle University programs, including the Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture and the Centre for Environmental Justice and Sustainability.
The immersion journey zeroed in on three main themes—immigration, poverty, and sustainability. Participants engaged closely with local Indigenous communities, organic farmers, and artisans, listening to their stories of resilience and culture while also confronting harsh realities, like the experiences of immigrants kidnapped by cartels during their perilous journeys.
Moments of discovery characterised this immersive experience, such as exploring the spiritual significance of Tonantzin and engaging with community advocates for social justice. Through reflective activities and grassroots connections, participants left with enriched perspectives on Mexican culture and migration challenges.
Dr. Rodriguez’s involvement is deeply personal; she first participated in an immersion trip herself in 1992, later reshaping it into a seminar-retreat that fosters cultural understanding among faculty and staff. Engaging with diverse figures from theologians to farmers, she has been instrumental in blending professional development with profound spiritual insights over the last two decades.
This initiative not only raises awareness of Mexican life beyond its borders but also nurtures community bonds among trip participants. Dr. Rodriguez aims to elevate the profound theological richness stemming from Mexico and Latin America, enriching discourse around these vital intersections.
Fr. Araujo pointed out the transformative dialogue experienced during the trip, reflecting on the visibility granted to community struggles. The immersion offers educators a deeper understanding of complex issues such as land rights and migration, often overlooked in statistical presentations.
Joyce Allen, a participant, expressed how the experience echoed her values and highlighted Indigenous wisdom and their faith. Estefanía Kendall described the encounter as eye-opening, expanding her views on social justice and the strength of community resilience.
Jessica Imanaka, new to this journey, found her faith deepened as she pondered the pressing immigration crisis, realising the notion of respect for migrants’ dignity rooted in her Christian beliefs. Laura Hauck-Vixie rated this immersion among her top experiences at Seattle University, recognising it for its connections and the hospitality offered by local Benedictine sisters.
The convergence of tradition and the spirit of belonging shone through this experiential journey, positioning issues of interconnectedness and community front and centre in the participants’ reflections.
The Guadalupe Faith & Hospitality Immersion Experience offers Seattle University faculty and staff profound insights into social justice and spirituality through a visit to Mexico. During the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, participants focused on immigration, poverty, and sustainability, engaging with Indigenous communities and confronting real-world challenges. This reflective experience fosters stronger community bonds while deepening participants’ understanding of cultural dynamics and social issues.
This transformative cultural immersion revealed significant insights into immigration, poverty, and sustainability that shaped not only individual perspectives but also collective understanding among faculty and staff participants from Seattle University. With deep interpersonal connections established and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences explored, the journey fostered a profound sense of empathy, community, and social responsibility. As participants navigated the complexities of life in Mexico through meaningful dialogues and experiences, they returned imbued with a renewed commitment to social justice and a deeper appreciation of their cultural and theological roots.
Original Source: www.seattleu.edu
