On the Move

The Biblical accounts of Advent and Christmas emphasize people on the move, leaving their homes to go on journeys that lead to encounter, engagement, and new life. In the Gospel of Luke, this begins when Mary, the mother of Jesus, sets out in haste to see her cousin, Elizabeth, who like her is pregnant and expecting a first child. When they meet, both of their hearts leap for joy, as the power of reconnecting with a loved one, especially in a key moment of life, fills them both body and soul. How many of us will share similar feelings when we are reunited with loved ones in the coming days to celebrate the holidays!!

Luke’s Gospel goes on to describe the journey of Joseph and Mary for the census. As Mary’s time to give birth approaches, they find themselves exposed and vulnerable to the winter night and elements. So in the shelter of a manger, Jesus is born. In that humble space, and depending on the generosity of strangers, Mary and Joseph seek simply the health and wellbeing of their first child. And like all parents, they can barely contain their daydreaming about who he may eventually become. How many in our world experience these same forces and feelings, finding themselves vulnerable and alone, and longing only for the wellbeing of themselves and their families during moments of movement and dislocation?

At Santa Clara University, our students identify deeply with these experiences of being on the move, of experiencing dislocation, and of ultimately finding new life in engagement and solidarity. I invite you to hear from some of them who traveled over the summer to Chiapas, one of the most under-resourced states in Mexico. They describe the unique and transformative impact of the human encounters, shared work, and mutual care and dependence they experienced there. And as I write, even more Broncos are on the move, with 30 students currently participating in pre-holiday Immersions to East Los Angeles, at the US/Mexico Border, and in Costa Rica.

As I come to the close of my first quarter as executive director of the Ignatian Center, I am grateful for the incredible support our community – and each of you – provides. You make it possible for us to offer transformative programming, especially our immersions, which touch the hearts and spirits of our students and set them on a path of lifelong solidarity and compassion. Please know of my gratitude and prayers for you all. 

Chiapas Immersion | Summer 2024

The Ignatian Center's Chiapas Immersion provides students with the unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of indigenous activism for social and economic justice and the defense of human rights and sovereignty in Chiapas, Mexico. Participants shared their hopes for the immersion and their impressions of the experience as they engaged with the indigenous people of the area. 

Watch the video here