"The Holy Spirit is palpably present"

 In our most recent blog post, 2014- 15 Dominican Volunteer Juan Miguel Alvarez reflects on his recent trip to the Vatican to witness the canonization of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Juan Miguel also  tells of his spiritual encounter with Pope Francis and how both men  continue to shape his faith journey.

1.                  What   was it like to be at the Vatican for the canonization of Archbishop Oscar Romero and meeting Pope Francis and some of the Cardinals? Please give us a small taste of that experience.

I cannot speak on the synod itself since I was not a synod member ,but being close to it and spending time with those who were in it was an exciting and refreshing experience. You could see the passion the youth people brought to this synod – they were a fantastic group of intelligent and deeply caring young people with an enormous desire to improve their Church. I also enjoyed meeting some of the cardinals and bishops I have always admired, such as Cardinal Tagle, Cardinal Maradiaga, and Bishop Robert Barron.

       
The canonization of Oscar Romero, Paul VI, and five others was a powerful mass. I sat with the auditors, close to the front, with the banners of these saints directly in front of us. As I looked up at them, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis, the hundreds of priests, and the hundreds of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, I felt overjoyed at the magnitude of the day. Having led a couple of trips to El Salvador and seeing the sites of Oscar Romero’s life, I thought of the wonderful people I met there and I realized how much this canonization meant for them, for Latin America, and for the entire Church. There were Salvadorian flags everywhere, but also people from all over the world. It was a true testament to the universality of the Church. 

2014-15 Dominican Volunteer Juan Miguel Alvarez

2.                 What about your experience surprised you and impacted you?

I had so many impactful experiences on this trip. Among them were the canonization mass, my visit to the catacombs of St. Sebastian, seeing the pope’s home, getting some inside-scoop looks into the conclave process, meeting young, passionate Catholics from all over the world, and of course meeting the pope. I was impacted by the levity of Pope Francis. He must have one of the busiest schedules on the planet, yet every time I interacted with him, he was laughing, he was present, and he was relaxed. No matter how tired he was, or how late it was, or how many people had asked for a selfie, his face always lit up when someone approached him for a conversation or a blessing. 

Juan Miguel, his wife Yadira, and Pope Francis

3.                 Did any part of your experience lead you to reflect on your service year with DVUSA?

I remember two times that I was reminded of my DVUSA experience. The first was during the canonization mass of Oscar Romero. I remembered my family, my friendships in El Salvador, and the families that have gotten to know in Chicago. I thought of my students at Cristo Rey, the families at my parish, Immaculate Conception, and the families I met at Casa Juan Diego. I imagined what St. Peter’s Square might look like one day celebrating the canonization of a young person from Pilsen. The second time was on an afternoon that I was able to walk around and explore Rome’s many beautiful churches and basilicas. I came across Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, a Dominican basilica that is home to St. Catherine of Siena’s tomb. I reflected on the year that my soul crossed paths with Dominican spirituality and thanked God for it. 

Juan Miguel and some of his students during  his year as a Dominican Volunteer at Casa Juan Diego youth center in Chicago

4.                 As a Latino, how have the legacies of Pope Francis and Oscar Romero impacted your life?

In different ways, they have both been hugely impactful on my spirituality. Pope Francis has made me reconsider the ways that the Church ministers to all people who seek God; he strives to find the sweet spot where the Church is 100% faithful in teaching the eternal truths we have inherited from Tradition, the scriptures, and the apostles, and also being merciful and charitable in its pastoral approach. He understands that this is not an “either/or” situation, so I have been intrigued and drawn in by his approach. He also has more patience, joy, and dedication than I will ever have. The Holy Spirit is palpably present when you spend even a few brief moments with him. 

Oscar Romero has been personally convicting and inspiring in my spirituality. He knew better than most the danger he was putting himself by standing up for justice, but he did what his conscience told him to do, regardless of the presence of these life-threatening people and groups. By their own government, the poor of El Salvador were kicked while they were down, stood upon to keep them down, and then brutally murdered. Romero radically and unabashedly lived out the gospel in that ugly reality, so seeing his birthplace, the site of his martyrdom, his home, was something that has made me reflect on the ugly realities that plague my communities – the city of Chicago, the immigrant families I am able to accompany, or my neighborhood – and radically live out the gospel in those places.

5.                 You  and your wife, Yadira experienced this journey together. What was it like experiencing the Vatican as a couple?

It was so life-giving! My wife was one of the few married young auditors; it was great to see how many people went out of their way to welcome and accommodate me as her spouse. They recognized that the role of the auditor was important and that it was, in fact, the reason each of these young people was brought to Rome, but that nothing takes precedence over your primary vocation. First and foremost, we were viewed as spouses – as a family. Through the charity and generosity of so many people, I was able to accompany my wife to nourishing, beautiful events, including the canonization mass, exploring the Vatican gardens, a powerful adoration night in San Lorenzo’s, and of course our various moments with the pope. Getting his blessing over our marriage was unforgettable. 

Juan Miguel and his wife Yadira

A Dominican Wedding

In our latest blog post, DV Kelly Litt (2014 -2015) shares some wedding news!

Kelly Litt with husband Justin Parrett

My name is Kelly Litt and I served as a Dominican Volunteer from 2014-2015 in New York City. I ministered with the Dominican Leadership Conference NGO to the United Nations and had the privilege to learn from and work with the incredible Margaret Mayce, OP.

My time at the United Nations taught me so much about the world and even more about myself and my calling to work toward peace, justice, and equality for all. Experiencing the inner workings of the United Nation showed me the best of intentions of international change-makers and also shined a light on true frustrations of global politics. Yet the aspects of my time as a Dominican Volunteer that had the largest impact and have remained with me continue to be my time in community grappling with questions of justice, spirituality, and truth. I remember candid conversations about both the opportunities and challenges of achieving global change. I recall fondly conversations with community members about life and love while sharing a laugh or shedding a tear together. I will always love my friends at the Catholic Worker House who lived in simple solidarity and who whole heartedly enjoyed sitting on the front step on a hot summer day as we said hi to neighbors walking past with their dogs in tow. And of course, one of my favorite memories is our weekly dinner with our Dominican Sisters where we would talk for hours about education policy, life in the Bronx, global poverty, climate change, or what local attractions we should check out soon. The Sisters were (and remain) our family, and they always knew when we needed a little chocolate or a bottle of wine with dinner.

While I was living in New York during my service year and building community with my Dominican family, I was also in a relationship with my boyfriend, Justin. We were enduring a long-distance relationship, and as individuals fresh out of college, we were both searching for our own truth and purpose. During my DVUSA year, Justin and I remained committed to strengthening our relationship despite the 550 miles between us. It is comforting to see that the Dominican pillars have not only been influential in our own personal lives, but also in our relationship. Those pillars grounded us and continue to strengthen our love to this day. As cliché as it is, our time apart during my service year brought us even closer together.

I am thrilled to share that on October 6th Justin and I were married in Mansfield, Ohio at my home parish, St. Mary of the Snows. We were blessed to be surrounded by so many family members and friends and the day truly could not have been more perfect. We were able to infuse aspects of Dominican tradition throughout our ceremony and reception, and members of my DVUSA community joined us in the celebration and traveled to Ohio to be with us.

Justin and I have found ourselves growing together entwined in Dominican tradition and spirituality. We remain involved in our alma mater, Ohio Dominican University, and we both have strong ties to the Dominican Sisters of Peace in Columbus. We are thankful for the richness that Dominican spirituality has shown us and the individuals that we have met through the Dominican family that have become our dear and lifelong friends. 

Kelly with DV Rebecca Morgenstern (2014-15) Karen Gargamelli MCrieght

Hope, Joy, and Resilience

In our latest blog post, we talk to 2014-15 Dominican Volunteer Sarah Hammel. Sarah served as a Refugee Resettlement Specialist at Catholic Charities Atlanta and was recently appointed to the Dominican Volunteers USA board. Thank you for your service and continued Dominican witness, Sarah! 

1. Give us some background. How have you been shaped by the Dominican mission and Dominican life? Why do you feel called to serve on the DVUSA board?

Sarah Hammel, 2014-15 Dominican Volunteer

"What comes to mind immediately is that I wouldn’t be where I am today without being introduced to Dominican life and DVUSA. I currently work as the Membership Coordinator of Catholic Volunteer Network and am a huge believer that faith-based service can change the world.

My introduction to Dominican life came in the mail one day in the form of a postcard from Dominican University. As a girl living in a small rural farming town in Michigan, my daydreams always involved traveling and exploring what the world had to offer. So, I was immediately struck and drawn in to the mission statement of Dominican University: “Dominican University prepares students to pursue truth, give compassionate service and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.”

My first year at DU, I was introduced to DVUSA through my involvement with University Ministry. Someone handed me a RESPONSE directory and opened my eyes to all the various service programs that existed. My mom served in the Peace Corps in the 70’s so I knew about secular service organizations but wow there a lot of amazing faith-based programs!

I dove deeper when I went on my first service learning trip with MaDonna Thelen to Cuernavaca, Mexico. That immersion experience changed everything for me and put me on the path to studying social justice and civic engagement. My entire college career was spent working alongside MaDonna in the Community-based Learning Office helping provide volunteer and service opportunities for my peers. As the years went on more inspiring mentors (Shannon Green, Ann Hillman, Professor Calabrese, Michael Chapuran, Sr. Melissa Waters) entered my life and helped guide me towards a year of service with Dominican Volunteers USA after college.

So you see it has all come full circle for me. My time as a student at a Dominican sponsored institution surrounded by the Dominican Sisters their charisms shaped me into the person I am today. I now coordinate and oversee the creation of the RESPONSE directory that I first picked up all those years ago at DU’s University Ministry Center. Now, looking forward, I wish to give back to the Dominican community by serving on the Board of Trustees for DVUSA."

2. The mission statement of Dominican Volunteers USA to “respond to the injustices of our day by ministering with our sisters and brothers, especially those who are poor and marginalized.” What does serving with our brothers and sisters who are marginalized mean to you? Why is serving with others who are marginalized so important and life-giving?

“Our lives preach God’s great compassion for all, especially those who are the most vulnerable among us. Our preaching is always on the side of Justice, peace and reconciliation.” This core value of DVUSA inspired me during my year as a volunteer. I lived in the Penn Community in Atlanta, GA and worked as a Case Worker for Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Department. I spent my days listening and accompanying refugees who fled their homes in search of a better life in America. It broke my heart to hear their struggles and know that many America’s did/do not want them here in our country. 

The 2014-15 Penn Community of Atlanta

My year as a DV offered me the privilege to enter into the lives of many beautiful souls. I found myself feeling very grateful and honored to learn about my client’s cultures and recognize God in each of them. How powerful it is to witness the transformation of someone’s life. True I helped take my clients to doctor’s appointments, taught them to navigate public transit and encouraged them to be self-sufficient but the greatest gift was how much I learned from each of them. That no matter what life throws at you there can still be profound hope and joy and resilience. "

The 2014-15 Dominican Volunteers with DVUSA  founders Sisters Marcela Conley and Mary Kremer

3. Tell us about your life outside of DVUSA. What do you like to do for fun?

I live in Maryland in-between Washington D.C. and Baltimore! I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we celebrated our 2^nd wedding anniversary this past June. The two of us started indoor rock climbing this year. It’s a really fun way for us to spend time together while also challenging our bodies and minds!

I also love to knit! Many years back, my grandma taught me and to this day it’s one of my favorite things to do. When I travel, I try to find a local yarn shop to support their business and stock up on new yarn!"

4. Please share a quote that hasbeen particularly impactful in your ministry, life of service, and faith journey?

"I think this quote was in the University Ministry Office at DU and it’s one of my favorites.  "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."― St. Catherine of Siena 

5. As you begin your tenure on the DVUSA board, what are your hopes for the future of DVUSA? How would you like to see our ministry grow and develop?

             "My hopes for DVUSA are for it to be sustainable and also diversify. Look at where the volunteers are not coming from and consider going there. How can DVUSA be accessible for more young adults and individuals wishing to serve others and grow in their faith?"

6. Any final thoughts you wish to share?

            Fun fact: My great aunt, Evelyn Rogers, was an Adrian Dominican Sister! She taught music at Siena Heights and Barry University. I found her in a photo on the history wall at Siena Heights when we were there for our DVUSA Closing Retreat!

Sarah's great aunt Sister Evelyn Rogers, second row from top, third in from right